Re: Re: reorganisation and destruction of irish catholic churches

Earlier, we looked at representations of the Crucifixion, starting with the famous 8th century Irish example in the library of Sank Gallen, and we noted that the ealy depictions featured the crucified Christ flanked by St Longinus and Stepathon, offering the sponge with vinagre. We saw that later depictions substituted these figures with those of Our Lady and St John the Evangelist whose image was subsequently exchanged for other saints.

Here, however, we have a very interesting piece of iconography from the central rose panel of the axiel lancet of the axial chapel of the chevet of Beauvais Cathedral where we see the integration of the two earliest forms of the crucifixion depictions: Christ with Longinus and Stephaton, with these two figures flanked externally by those of Our Lady and St John. Underneath the Cross is a figure rising from the tomb and holding a chalice to receive the Blood of Christ from the Cross. This figures represents Adam and the redemption of mankind by the sacrifice of Christ, the New Adam, on the Cross.

This window dates from about 1240 and belongs to the earliest glass in the Cathedral. It is also likely still to be in situ. The window was restored in 1854 by our old friend Adolph Napoleon Dideron. Despite 19th century enthusiasm, well over 80% of the glass in this panel is original.