North Rose Window Meaning

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Located in the Notre Dame Cathedral in Chartres, France, the North Rose Window is an iconic masterpiece that amazes all for its historical narratives and beauty. Most commonly found in Gothic Cathedrals, rose windows were not only to beautify a church, but it was also used to express religious texts from the bible as each glass pane told a story and each window was a book of stories. However, the stories were not solely about religion and the bible; there were also references to history, rulers, and nature. To explain what the panes consist, the very center pane of the North Rose Window is Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus. Surrounding her are twelve panes of doves and angels. Extending further, there are twelve Major Prophets in diamond shaped …show more content…
Anne with the young Virgin, King Solomon, and Aaron. As it can be seen, there is substantial significance in regards to symbols, especially about the number twelve and the flower lily. The number twelve is important because the number three represents trinity and the number four is the number of man, making twelve the symbol of the merging of the divine and man. On the other hand, the flower lily, which signifies purity, is seen throughout religious texts being held by the Virgin Mary. Each color had its own significance as well. For instance, blue is used to embody the Virgin whereas red symbolizes blood and the devotion of Jesus Christ. The symbolism adds to the narratives depicted by the glass panes. At first glance, one may only recognize the religious figures such as Jesus and Virgin Mary; however, with the knowledge of the symbols, one will realize that the panes are not only about the outside image, but it is also about a deeper hidden meaning of religious aspects. Also recognizable is the fact that everything is deliberately planned to create this piece with such accurate symmetry and precise proportions. Everything in the rose window is strictly made to match with its