Apostles stained glass window, Chartres cathedral, France

On the left, Jesus sits in a boat with Peter and Andrew, who have caught no fish all night. Jesus orders them to throw the nets and they are full of fish. Peter kneels and Jesus blesses him, while Andrew gestures to Zebedee, James and John on the right to do the same. The waves, boats and nets create a great sense of movement in this panel, from the story in St Luke's gospel. Section of the miraculous catch of fish, 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

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Ambulatory Apostle Apostles Axial Blessing Chartres Crucifix Disciple Eure-et-loir Follower Gospel Halo Haul Leaded Miraculous Rite Zebedee

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