Apostles stained glass window, Chartres cathedral, France
The disciple Andrew, standing on a bridge, pours holy oil on the heads of 3 naked apostles, immersed in water. Jesus blesses Andrew, giving him permission to baptise in his name. This important section is central in the window and reflects the sacraments which take place in Chartres cathedral. Section of the baptism of the apostles, from the Apostles window, 1212-25, in the axial chapel in the ambulatory of Chartres Cathedral, Eure-et-Loir, France. This window represents the birth of the Church, as the apostles are the first pillar of the church and therefore has the site with the most sunlight to illuminate the colours. Chartres cathedral was built 1194-1250 and is a fine example of Gothic architecture. Most of its windows date from 1205-40 although a few earlier 12th century examples are also intact. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Picture by Manuel Cohen
