Description
The Miracles of the Virgin Window
Delaporte no. 9, Deremble-Manhes no. 38
Panel 4: Statue of the Virgin worshipped by the faithful
At center, a gold statue of the Virgin and Child is within an open aedicule surmounted by a dome and a cross. The Virgin (halo, crown with fleur-de-lys) holds the Infant on her knee while, with the other hand, she holds a rod (scepter?). The Christ Child (haloed) makes a gesture of blessing with one hand, and in the other holds three round objects that may be the tip of the rod held by Mary. On each of the open wings of the aedicule is an image of a barefooted man with a halo. Supported on large column in front of the statue is an object that Manhes-Deremble describes as a basket to receive the gifts of the faithful. On either side of the statue is a group of worshipers. Six or more men stand at right. The one nearest the statue raises both hands- palms upward. A diverse group stands at left. Closest to the column, a child, on its knees, holds up a crutch. Above are three bearded figures including a cleric holding a small cross-staff. To the left are several figures pulling a rope- they are dragging the cart shown in panel 6.
Manhes-Deremble says that the statue and column are images of an actual statue and column that were nearby in the cathedral. They interpret this window as serving both as a suggestion for offerings and as an example of how the devotion of simple pilgrims could be integrated into a structure what in some senses was quite intellectual and elite. (pp 209-10).
According to Delaporte, the statue shown in the glass is a replacement made to display the silver-gilt statue donated to Chartres by Archdeacon Pierre de Bordeaux sometime after 1260.
One interpretation of this panel is that it is a reference to a miracle in which the Virgin - in 1194 in answer to prayers for healing - descends to the construction site, leaves a statue of the Virgin and Child, and then goes back to Heaven.
Delaporte suggests that this forms one composition with panels 5, 6, and 7.
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.
