Description
The Infancy of Christ Window
Delaporte no. 2, Deremble-Manhes no. 50
These panels contain a large depiction of the Virgin and Child in the pose known as the “Throne of Wisdom,” where both Virgin and Child sit facing frontally. Mary wears a vivid blue gown with rows of gold embroidery at the neck, on the sleeves, and around the hem of the skirt. On her head is a large jewel encrusted gold crown, surrounded by a halo edged with small white round objects (pearls?). Under the crown, Mary wears a white veil that extends to her shoulders. Mary holds out flowering branches in both hands (cf. the foliage of the Jesse Tree in the adjacent window)
The Christ Child (barefoot halo with a cross) sits on Mary’s lap. He wears a tunic with trim at the neck and sleeves, and a purple with gold trim around the hem. With one hand, He makes a gesture of blessing. In the other, he holds a closed book (symbolizing, in Byzantine iconography, Christ as the Word).
Mary sits on a cushion on an elaborate bench-like throne with several moldings at its base, the lowest of which is solid- above it is a layer with arched openings.
On each side of the central panels is a barefoot, haloed angel holding a flowering staff in one hand and gesturing toward the central figures with the other. Above the angels are personifications of the sum (left) and moon (right).
Subject
Cathédrale de Chartres--Pictorial works.;Church decoration and ornament--France--Chartres--Pictorial works.;Church architecture--France--Chartres--Pictorial works.;Christian art and symbolism--France--Chartres--Medieval, 500-1500--Pictorial works.
