“Preserving the totality of the windows with which it was equipped in the XIIIth century”; “Nearly three quarters of the windows installed in the XIIIth century”; “More than 80% of the authentic glasswork”; “A large majority of the windows have survived”; (…)
Here is what we read here and there…
There is no doubt that only Chartres cathedral – among the great religious buildings of the Middle Ages – can give rise to such considerations. Elsewhere, the preserved glassworks are always the subject of a minority. Overall, in the case of Chartres, all of the windows date from the initial construction site – between 1200 and 1250.
As you can see, some destruction has occurred here and there – despite the fortunate chance that the monument has been spared more extensive damage. The subject – by nature unattractive – gives rise to the approximations that we have cited above.
We have therefore decided to make a methodical inventory of the situation here.
Of the 18 windows in the aisles of the nave and transept:
- 13 are at least partially original.
5 windows are missing, corresponding to:
– the openings of the Vendôme chapel – XVth century and restored in 1918;
– a grisaille in the south transept – XVth century and 1924;
– the stained glass window of Fulbert – 1954 ;
– the stained glass window of peace – offered by Germany: 1971 ;
– a patchwork window in the north transept – 1964, including nevertheless important original elements. - 10 are entirely original.
3 stained glass windows are missing, corresponding to:
– the one of the miracles of Notre-Dame – upper part redone;
– that of Saint Apollinaire – panels of 1328 in the lower part;
– the one of the typological Passion – seven panels restored in the upper central part.
Of the 12 windows in the choir aisles:
- 6 are entirely original.
Six windows are missing, corresponding to:
– two grisailles on the south side – late XIIIth century, early XIVth century panels;
– as well as four grisailles on the north side – middle of the XIIIth century, and for which there is no evidence at this stage that it is not a change of party – during the construction.
Of the 6 small roses in the choir aisles:
- 6 are entirely original.
Of the 25 windows of the ambulatory and the radiating chapels:
- 20 are at least partially original.
5 windows are missing, corresponding to:
– the location of the staircase leading to the chapel of Saint Piat;
– two grisailles on the south side – around 1600 ;
– a grisaille in the southern radiating chapel – end of XIIIth century;
– a grisaille in the axial chapel – end of XIIIth century). - 17 are entirely original.
3 stained glass windows are missing:
– that of Saint Nicolas – lower part redone in 1924 ;
– the one of the apostles in central position – lower part redone in 1921;
– that of Saint Simon and Saint Jude – two panels redone in 1921.
to be continued…