Description
Thomas the Apostle Window
Delaporte no. 46, Deremble-Manhes no. 23
Panel 10: King Gundophorus departs
Panels 9-12 of this window show the first part of the story of King Gundophorus and Thomas. Gundophorus brought Thomas to India as an architect to build him a grand palace “in the Roman style.” The king gave Thomas a large amount of gold to fund the construction and then left for an extended time. When he returned, he found that Thomas had spent the money aiding the poor and building churches instead of building a palace.
The king (crowned) is on horseback, riding toward the right. Behind his is another man on horseback, with a falcon on his wrist. Both men look toward the left (Panel 8 - Abbanes presents Thomas to King Gundophorus)
Compare with the departure of the Prodigal Son- both in the window at Chartres (Window 35- Panels 4 and 5) and the analogous window at Bourges Cathedral.
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.
