Chagall Windows

The Reims cathedral was deeply wounded by WWI and consequently has some gorgeous 20th century glass (and some less gorgeous 21st century glass) in it. The standout work is the chapel in the apse, straight behind the main alter (and glowing throughout the nave like a beacon) which was designed by Marc Chagall. It’s exquisite. I love the thoughtful iconography, the worshipful colors with blazing bits surrounded by deep and peaceful blues, and most of all, the green madonna. It seems like such an obvious color for her with motherhood and fertility at the center of her identity. The colors around her remind me of the rich forests of the Pacific Northwest, alive with mossy beauty.

I couldn’t get my camera to capture the blue that glimmers through the cathedral from the Chagalls all the way to the west entrance, so I tried in watercolor instead. Still not satisfying, but better. I also love the off centeredness of the crucifixion, with that white figure showing up on the right hand side, but the deposition and ascension above and below (though less discernible from far off ) to its left. Brilliant design. I did one more sketch of the whole bank of candles that people light and pray by. It was a worshipful space, and I tend to paint the things that move me.

I wish I’d taken time to sketch the 1930’s smaller rose window at the back. Mary is central, and she is surrounded in a circle by several biblical trees (a palm, a cedar of Lebanon, and an olive tree) along with the moon, the morning star, and the sun. I love creation being so central in surrounding and celebrating her. I would have chosen an apple tree to go along with the others, given both Song of Songs and that lovely carol “Jesus Christ the Apple Tree,” along with the connection from Eve through her son Jesus to correct the original wayward bite. But that’s a quibble. It’s a gorgeous window in its own right. I loved the mid century glass they added in the restoration all the way around. There’s some subtle and beautiful grisaille windows as well. I wish I could have done these windows justice, and I wish they would hire one good photographer and get good images to sell. I was deeply disappointed in what was on offer. But it was a gorgeous cathedral to be in, and I’m so glad I went somewhere new this year.