The West Facade of Chartres Cathedral

The West Facade is the main entrance to Chartres. The Royal Portal is here, and above it are four windows. Medieval stained glass windows are read from the bottom left to right and then up.

The Jesse window, bottom left, tells the story of Christ's lineage.

The Incarnation Window, bottom center, tells the story of Christ's life on earth. (no further commentary here)

The Passion and Resurrection Window, bottom right, tells the story of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. (no further commentary here)

The Rose Window or Judgment Window, top, depicts Christ in the act of judgment.

Click on the links above to see each individual picture; return to the Chartres index for a complete commentary on the Jesse window and the Judgment window.

copyright © Dr. Deborah Vess 1998-2001, Georgia College & State University and the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. All rights reserved. Rights to chapters authored by contributing faculty members reserved to Georgia College & State University, to the Interdisciplinary Studies Program at GC&SU, and to the individual faculty authors.