Stained Glass / Vitraux

The "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Bourges" was erected as a replacement for an 11th-century structure. The construction started probably in the last quarter of the 12th century, around the same time when the builders and bricklayers started in Chartres. The choir of the cathedral was in use by 1214, the nave was finished 1255. The cathedral was consecrated in 1324. The cathedral covers a surface of 5,900 m². The nave is 15 metres wide and 37 metres high, the inner aisle is 21.3 metres high. There are no transepts, but two aisles on either side forming a double ambulatory around the choir. The cathedral retains many of its original stained-glass windows, which dates from about 1215. A detail of the window depicting the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.

The "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Bourges" was erected as a replacement for an 11th-century structure. The construction started probably in the last quarter of the 12th century, around the same time when the builders and bricklayers started in Chartres. The choir of the cathedral was in use by 1214, the nave was finished 1255. The cathedral was consecrated in 1324. The cathedral covers a surface of 5,900 m². The nave is 15 metres wide and 37 metres high, the inner aisle is 21.3 metres high. There are no transepts, but two aisles on either side forming a double ambulatory around the choir. The cathedral retains many of its original stained-glass windows, which dates from about 1215.

The "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Bourges" was erected as a replacement for an 11th-century structure. The construction started probably in the last quarter of the 12th century, around the same time when the builders and bricklayers started in Chartres. The choir of the cathedral was in use by 1214, the nave was finished 1255. The cathedral was consecrated in 1324. The cathedral covers a surface of 5,900 m². The nave is 15 metres wide and 37 metres high, the inner aisle is 21.3 metres high. There are no transepts, but two aisles on either side forming a double ambulatory around the choir. The cathedral retains many of its original stained-glass windows, which dates from about 1215, but as well "younger" ones. The stained glass window of the Magi is dated 1467. On the left, the donors Jean and Martin de Breuil are presented by Saint Jean-Baptiste. The face of the Virgin in the fourth lancet was redone in the 19th century.

The Cathédrale Saint-Étienne seen today is actually the 5th on the spot. The erection started in 1215 around the same time, when the building of the cathedrals in Reims and Amiens started. The choir was completed in 1235. The stained glass of the choir windows was created until 1250. The same time, the construction of the facade began. Around 1300, construction began on the southern arm of the transept. The sculptured portal is dated to around 1320. The nave was built from around 1320–1350, but the Hundred Years' War slowed the work down and delayed the completion of the south aisle until 1378. The north transept and the towers had not begun at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1478, the nave was vaulted and in 1500 work on the north tower began and was completed after 43 years. The south tower was never completed. The cathedral is known for its fantastic stained windows from the 13th century. Despite the harm, they suffered from the Huguenot iconoclasts, most of them are still intact Here is the legend of Saint Andrew the Apostle. His crucifixion can be seen on the very top of the window.

The Cathédrale Saint-Étienne seen today is actually the 5th on the spot. The erection started in 1215 around the same time, when the building of the cathedrals in Reims and Amiens started. The choir was completed in 1235. The stained glass of the choir windows was created until 1250. The same time, the construction of the facade began. Around 1300, construction began on the southern arm of the transept. The sculptured portal is dated to around 1320. The nave was built from around 1320–1350, but the Hundred Years' War slowed the work down and delayed the completion of the south aisle until 1378. The north transept and the towers had not begun at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1478, the nave was vaulted and in 1500 work on the north tower began and was completed after 43 years. The south tower was never completed. The cathedral is known for its fantastic stained windows from the 13th century. Despite the harm, they suffered from the Huguenot iconoclasts, most of them are still intact The St. Brice (upper half) and St. Vincent window (lower half).

The Cathédrale Saint-Étienne seen today is actually the 5th on the spot. The erection started in 1215 around the same time, when the building of the cathedrals in Reims and Amiens started. The choir was completed in 1235. The stained glass of the choir windows was created until 1250. The same time, the construction of the facade began. Around 1300, construction began on the southern arm of the transept. The sculptured portal is dated to around 1320. The nave was built from around 1320–1350, but the Hundred Years' War slowed the work down and delayed the completion of the south aisle until 1378. The north transept and the towers had not begun at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1478, the nave was vaulted and in 1500 work on the north tower began and was completed after 43 years. The south tower was never completed. The cathedral is known for its fantastic stained windows from the 13th century. Despite the harm, they suffered from the Huguenot iconoclasts, most of them are still intact After the iconoclasts some windows got composite. The lower part depicts Saint Germain, the upper Saint Nicholas.

The Cathédrale Saint-Étienne seen today is actually the 5th on the spot. The erection started in 1215 around the same time, when the building of the cathedrals in Reims and Amiens started. The choir was completed in 1235. The stained glass of the choir windows was created until 1250. The same time, the construction of the facade began. Around 1300, construction began on the southern arm of the transept. The sculptured portal is dated to around 1320. The nave was built from around 1320–1350, but the Hundred Years' War slowed the work down and delayed the completion of the south aisle until 1378. The north transept and the towers had not begun at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1478, the nave was vaulted and in 1500 work on the north tower began and was completed after 43 years. The south tower was never completed. The cathedral is known for its fantastic stained windows from the 13th century. Despite the harm, they suffered from the Huguenot iconoclasts, most of them are still intact The story of Joseph and his brothers. Genesis 7 .... "They saw him from a distance. Before he reached them, they plotted to kill him. They said to each other, "Look, here comes that master dreamer! Let’s kill him, throw him into one of the cisterns, and say that a wild animal has eaten him. Then we’ll see what happens to his dreams." When Reuben heard this, he tried to save Joseph from their plot. "Let’s not kill him," he said. "Let’s not have any bloodshed. Put him into that cistern that’s out in the desert, but don’t hurt him." Reuben wanted to rescue Joseph from them and bring him back to his father. So when Joseph reached his brothers, they stripped him of his special robe with long sleeves. Then they took him and put him into an empty cistern. It had no water in it. As they sat down to eat, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying the materials for cosmetics, medicine, and embalming. They were on their way to take them to Egypt. Judah asked his brothers, "What will we gain by killing our brother and covering up his death? Let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites. Let’s not hurt him, because he is our brother, our own flesh and blood." His brothers agreed. As the Midianite merchants were passing by, the brothers pulled Joseph out of the cistern. They sold him to the Ishmaelites for eight ounces of silver. The Ishmaelites took him to Egypt."

The Cathédrale Saint-Étienne seen today is actually the 5th on the spot. The erection started in 1215 around the same time, when the building of the cathedrals in Reims and Amiens started. The choir was completed in 1235. The stained glass of the choir windows was created until 1250. The same time, the construction of the facade began. Around 1300, construction began on the southern arm of the transept. The sculptured portal is dated to around 1320. The nave was built from around 1320–1350, but the Hundred Years' War slowed the work down and delayed the completion of the south aisle until 1378. The north transept and the towers had not begun at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1478, the nave was vaulted and in 1500 work on the north tower began and was completed after 43 years. The south tower was never completed. The cathedral is known for its fantastic stained windows from the 13th century. Despite the harm, they suffered from the Huguenot iconoclasts, most of them are still intact Looking at details. Bottom "Jonah and the whale" - "Moses and the bronze serpent" - "angel" Above "Adam, Eve, Serpent, tree" - "Trying to hide nakedness" - "Adam delves, Eve spins"

The Cathédrale Saint-Étienne seen today is actually the 5th on the spot. The erection started in 1215 around the same time, when the building of the cathedrals in Reims and Amiens started. The choir was completed in 1235. The stained glass of the choir windows was created until 1250. The same time, the construction of the facade began. Around 1300, construction began on the southern arm of the transept. The sculptured portal is dated to around 1320. The nave was built from around 1320–1350, but the Hundred Years' War slowed the work down and delayed the completion of the south aisle until 1378. The north transept and the towers had not begun at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1478, the nave was vaulted and in 1500 work on the north tower began and was completed after 43 years. The south tower was never completed. The cathedral is known for its fantastic stained windows from the 13th century. Despite the harm, they suffered from the Huguenot iconoclasts, most of them are still intact Seen on the left window are Pentecost and Ascension and above the legend of Mary of Egypt (aka Maria Aegyptiaca). Seen on the right window the legend of Mary Magdalene in France.

The Cathédrale Saint-Étienne seen today is actually the 5th on the spot. The erection started in 1215 around the same time, when the building of the cathedrals in Reims and Amiens started. The choir was completed in 1235. The stained glass of the choir windows was created until 1250. The same time, the construction of the facade began. Around 1300, construction began on the southern arm of the transept. The sculptured portal is dated to around 1320. The nave was built from around 1320–1350, but the Hundred Years' War slowed the work down and delayed the completion of the south aisle until 1378. The north transept and the towers had not begun at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1478, the nave was vaulted and in 1500 work on the north tower began and was completed after 43 years. The south tower was never completed. The cathedral is known for its fantastic stained windows from the 13th century. Despite the harm, they suffered from the Huguenot iconoclasts, most of them are still intact The legend of Saint Eloi (1-9) and above miracles of Saint Nicholas.

The Cathédrale Saint-Étienne seen today is actually the 5th on the spot. The erection started in 1215 around the same time, when the building of the cathedrals in Reims and Amiens started. The choir was completed in 1235. The stained glass of the choir windows was created until 1250. The same time, the construction of the facade began. Around 1300, construction began on the southern arm of the transept. The sculptured portal is dated to around 1320. The nave was built from around 1320–1350, but the Hundred Years' War slowed the work down and delayed the completion of the south aisle until 1378. The north transept and the towers had not begun at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1478, the nave was vaulted and in 1500 work on the north tower began and was completed after 43 years. The south tower was never completed. The cathedral is known for its fantastic stained windows from the 13th century. Despite the harm, they suffered from the Huguenot iconoclasts, most of them are still intact The Story of St Margaret of Antioch

Soest was one of the major cities in Westphalia during the 11th./12th century, having a population of around 10.000. Founded (like Erwitte and Paderborn to the east) on the ancient "Hellweg" (=Saltway), Soest played a major role within the Hanseatic League. Once it was even the capital of Westphalia - and (1531) a centre of Protestant Reformation in the area. The town centre has more than 600 listed buildings and a couple of old churches. The "Patrokli Dom" was the church of the canonical foundation, which existed from the 10th century until its abolition in 1812. Since 1823 the church has been the parish church of the St. Patrokli parish. The original building was completed before 1000. In the course of a further building phase the vaulted aisles were erected. At the same time, the transepts were expanded, the westwerk was rebuilt and an attached cloister were added to the south transept. The altar was consecrated in 1118. Later the nave and the transepts were vaulted and the whole interior received painted decoration. This phase of construction ended with the reconsecration of the church by Cologne Archbishop Rainald of Dassel in 1166. This is a small detail of a copy of a Romanesque stained glass window. The original window, dated 1160/1166, is safeguarded in the museum. It depicts the resurrection. The myrrhbearers are arriving and the soldiers are sleeping.

Soest was one of the major cities in Westphalia during the 11th./12th century, having a population of around 10.000. Founded (like Erwitte and Paderborn to the east) on the ancient "Hellweg" (=Saltway), Soest played a major role within the Hanseatic League. Once it was even the capital of Westphalia - and (1531) a centre of Protestant Reformation in the area. The town centre has more than 600 listed buildings and a couple of old churches. The "Patrokli Dom" was the church of the canonical foundation, which existed from the 10th century until its abolition in 1812. Since 1823 the church has been the parish church of the St. Patrokli parish. The original building was completed before 1000. In the course of a further building phase the vaulted aisles were erected. At the same time, the transepts were expanded, the westwerk was rebuilt and an attached cloister were added to the south transept. The altar was consecrated in 1118. Later the nave and the transepts were vaulted and the whole interior received painted decoration. This phase of construction ended with the reconsecration of the church by Cologne Archbishop Rainald of Dassel in 1166. This is a small detail of a copy of a Romanesque stained glass window, depicting the resurrection. The original window, dated 1160/1166, is safeguarded in the museum.

The Sainte-Chapelle ("Holy Chapel") was part of the Palais de la Cité, residence of the French Royals between 10th and 14th century. The chapel was built, to house Louis IX's vast collection of relics, including the Crown of Thorns, the Image of Edessa and the point of the "Holy Lance" - and many more prominent relics. Saint Louis (aka Louis IX) had purchased the "Passion Relics" from Baldwin II, unfortunate emperor of the Latin Empire of Constantinople, for 135,000 livres. The money was actually paid to the Venetians, to whom the relics had been pawned. Begun around 1239 and consecrated in 1248, the Sainte-Chapelle is considered among the highest achievements of the Gothic architecture. A fire damaged the chapel 1630, that got restored after that. The chapel suffered its most grievous destruction during the French Revolution, when the steeple got removed and many of the precious reliquaries were melted down. Reconstruction and restoration was done in the 1840s/1850s. Here are more than 600m² of stained glass, about 1/3 was destroyed and had to be replaced within the 19th century. The light is breathtaking! The sights are neck breaking. This is a fantastic place. This was a sensation. Absolutely impressing, when it was completed - and it still is. Here is a small detail. Luke 2:15-20 "When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us." They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them. Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully. The shepherds returned home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Everything happened just as they had been told." sainte-chapelle.monuments-nationaux.fr/

The Sainte-Chapelle ("Holy Chapel") was part of the Palais de la Cité, residence of the French Royals between 10th and 14th century. The chapel was built, to house Louis IX's vast collection of relics, including the Crown of Thorns, the Image of Edessa and the point of the "Holy Lance" - and many more prominent relics. Saint Louis (aka Louis IX) had purchased the "Passion Relics" from Baldwin II, unfortunate emperor of the Latin Empire of Constantinople, for 135,000 livres. The money was actually paid to the Venetians, to whom the relics had been pawned. Begun around 1239 and consecrated in 1248, the Sainte-Chapelle is considered among the highest achievements of the Gothic architecture. A fire damaged the chapel 1630, that got restored after that. The chapel suffered its most grievous destruction during the French Revolution, when the steeple got removed and many of the precious reliquaries were melted down. Reconstruction and restoration was done in the 1840s/1850s. Here are more than 600m² of stained glass, about 1/3 was destroyed and had to be replaced within the 19th century. The light is breathtaking! The sights are neck breaking. This is a fantastic place. This was a sensation. Absolutely impressing, when it was completed - and it still is. The Flagellation of Christ. sainte-chapelle.monuments-nationaux.fr/

A first church may have existed around 1100. Some parts of a church erected around 1170 still exist. This was already dedicated to Saint Sulpitius the Pious ("Sulpice le Pieux"), chaplain on the court of Clotaire II, King of the Franks, and later Bishop of Bourges. As the church kept relics of Saint-Sulpice, this was a place for many pilgrims from the very beginning. The construction of the High Gothic church seen today began around 1260. It is for sure the work of an experienced architect, who even may have had ties to the royal court, as the building was financed by Louis IX (aka "Saint Louis") and the Bishopric of Paris. By promoting the pilgrimage to this church, Louis IX from the House of Capet tracked his roots over six centuries back to Merovingian Clotaire II. This church was built during the "siècle d’or de St. Louis", when the Kingdom of France was politically and economically at its height in Europe. Of course, such a "royal symbol" had to suffer in the centuries to come. In 1652, during the civil wars ("Fronde"), the church was set on fire. The roof burnt down and the vaultings over four bays collapsed. During the French Revolution the church was severely damaged and later converted into a "Temple of Reason". The church is known for the elegant, delicate High Gothic architecture and for the beautiful stained glass windows from the 13th century. Here are details. The sleeping Magi.

A first church may have existed around 1100. Some parts of a church erected around 1170 still exist. This was already dedicated to Saint Sulpitius the Pious ("Sulpice le Pieux"), chaplain on the court of Clotaire II, King of the Franks, and later Bishop of Bourges. As the church kept relics of Saint-Sulpice, this was a place for many pilgrims from the very beginning. The construction of the High Gothic church seen today began around 1260. It is for sure the work of an experienced architect, who even may have had ties to the royal court, as the building was financed by Louis IX (aka "Saint Louis") and the Bishopric of Paris. By promoting the pilgrimage to this church, Louis IX from the House of Capet tracked his roots over six centuries back to Merovingian Clotaire II. This church was built during the "siècle d’or de St. Louis", when the Kingdom of France was politically and economically at its height in Europe. Of course, such a "royal symbol" had to suffer in the centuries to come. In 1652, during the civil wars ("Fronde"), the church was set on fire. The roof burnt down and the vaultings over four bays collapsed. During the French Revolution the church was severely damaged and later converted into a "Temple of Reason". The church is known for the elegant, delicate High Gothic architecture and for the beautiful stained glass windows from the 13th century. Here are details. The Adoration of the Magi. The star has reached its final position. Young Jesus stands on Mary´s knees and is already pretty tall. On the top left (only partyl seen) the Massacre of the Innocents has started.

A first church may have existed around 1100. Some parts of a church erected around 1170 still exist. This was already dedicated to Saint Sulpitius the Pious ("Sulpice le Pieux"), chaplain on the court of Clotaire II, King of the Franks, and later Bishop of Bourges. As the church kept relics of Saint-Sulpice, this was a place for many pilgrims from the very beginning. The construction of the High Gothic church seen today began around 1260. It is for sure the work of an experienced architect, who even may have had ties to the royal court, as the building was financed by Louis IX (aka "Saint Louis") and the Bishopric of Paris. By promoting the pilgrimage to this church, Louis IX from the House of Capet tracked his roots over six centuries back to Merovingian Clotaire II. This church was built during the "siècle d’or de St. Louis", when the Kingdom of France was politically and economically at its height in Europe. Of course, such a "royal symbol" had to suffer in the centuries to come. In 1652, during the civil wars ("Fronde"), the church was set on fire. The roof burnt down and the vaultings over four bays collapsed. During the French Revolution the church was severely damaged and later converted into a "Temple of Reason". The church is known for the elegant, delicate High Gothic architecture and for the beautiful stained glass windows from the 13th century. Here are details. The Magi following the star - and meeting Herod in Jerusalem. Note the "fleurs-de-lis".