Description
Thomas the Apostle Window
Delaporte no. 46, Deremble-Manhes no. 23
Panel 6: Wedding feast of the daughter of the King of Andropolis
According to the legend, Thomas and Abbanes arrived at Andropolis just in time for the wedding of the daughter of the king of Andropolis. Andropolis’ cupbearer mocked Thomas and struck him for not eating some of the meat set before him because he was a Jew. Thomas prophesied that he would see the cupbearer’s hand brought before him by a dog before the feast was over. The cupbearer went to a spring for more water, was attacked and killed by a lion, and his dismembered hand was carried by a dog into the wedding feast.
This panel probably represents two different incidents within this episode- Thomas abused by the cup-bearer (left) and the cupbearer's hand being carried by the dog (right).
Above is a beam with a curtain hanging from it, which indicates that the scene is taking place indoors. A long table parallel with the picture plane represents the general setting, the wedding feast. The tablecloth is covered with several bowls and covered cups. To the left , are Thomas (haloed) and the cupbearer, (holding a covered cup). They look toward one another and Thomas raises his hand (in protest? In prophecy?). At right sit two figures, the rightmost wears a crown (probably the king of Andropolis). Perhaps the leftmost is Abbanes? Both men look and gesture toward a yellow dog standing in front of the table and holding a dismembered human hand in its mouth.
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.
