Stained glass

It looks like all the stained glass in here are done in a old-timey medieval style, but the captions are in modern French.

On the left is Ste-Thérèse de l’enfant Jésus a.k.a. Ste-Thérèse de Lisieux following in Ste-Marguerite-Marie’s footsteps and devoting herself to the Sacred Heart. Right is Joan of Arc offering her sword to Jesus. Centre is a French king, probably Louis IX (a.k.a. Saint Louis) offering… something? to the Virgin Mary. Maybe devoting his reign. Notre-Dame is visible above him, but he didn’t start that.

.So, a couple of thoughts: first, Ste-Thérèse and Joan of Arc were canonised in the twentieth century, so these pieces must be even more recent than the Cathedral itself.

Second, the message being driven home is that France is a Christian, Catholic nation, full of Catholic kings and nuns and folk heroes; always has been and always must be.

Third, I really do like how Mary’s blue dress with gold stars complements Louis’ blue gown with gold fleur-de-lis. Yes I know it’s part of the propaganda, but it still looks cool!

   14 May 2022
   Montmartre
   ILCE-7M3
   1/30s    f/2.8   28mm   ISO 400
Three stained glasses