C1. CHANCEL WC

The incredible choir stalls represent a masterpiece of cabinet work.These stalls of Flamboyant Gothic style were built with blond oak over 11 years, from 1508 to 1519. There were originally over 120 stalls (110 today, with 62 high and 48 low stalls). The two major stalls at the far end were unique in France with huge 13.50 m wooden lace pinnacles above them. The King sat on one, and the dean of the chapter on the other. The King’s stall has been occupied by Louis XII, Francis I, Henri IV, then Napoleon I and French President Charles de Gaulle.  [Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons PMRMaeyaert]   INDEX

C2. STALL CARVINGS SP SP

The choir stalls contain no less than 110 detailed misericords: miniature sculptures and reliefs that intertwine stories from the Old and New Testaments as well as images of daily life in Amiens. [Photo Credits: Stan Parry Photography]   

C3. MISERICORDS SP SP

[Photo Credits: Stan Parry Photography] A detailed description of all the misericords can be found at the site with link: https://projects.mcah.columbia.edu/amiens-arthum/node/1550   

C4. CHOIR STALLS LM LM

Looking towards the high altar from the back of the choir stalls, we can appreciate the-large number of stalls and the intricacy of the decoration of the canopy.

C5. CHANCEL TO THE ALTAR LM

And straight ahead is the high altar! Notice the high pinnacles at the Eastern ends of the stalls, the stained glass in the triforium layer, and the high Eastern window.

C6. HIGH APSE WINDOW WC WC

Above the high altar we can see the central high window: a large colourful stained glass window. It was offered to the Cathedral in 1269. It is the most beautiful and important stained glass window of the Cathedral. Its theme is the angels announcing the coronation of St. Louis. [Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons Alf Van Beem & Dguendel]

C7. TRIFORIUM WINDOWS WC WC

We have made mention several times of the colourful triforium windows. The subjects of these windows come under the title ‘Apostolic College and Bishops’. A Catholic apostolic school / college provided a course of studies comprising a thorough training in the Latin and Greek classics, in modern languages, and in mathematics, so as to prepare the pupil to take up philosophy in an ecclesiastical seminary or to enter the novitiate of a religious order. Such an apostolic school was established in Amiens in 1868. [Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons Denis Krueger]

C8. SANCTUARY SCULPTURE WC

This ornate Baroque sculpture is on the North side of the sanctuary. I have been unable to find the identity of the portrait figure. [Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons Dguendel]

C9. SANCTUARY VIEW MW

This wider view of the North sanctuary draws our eyes around to the high altar at right.    

C10. CATHEDRA WC

On the South side of the sanctuary is the cathedra of the cathedral, in Baroque style. Another unidentifiable figure (or is it the same one?) can be seen above the cathedra. [Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons: Guillaume Piolle]    

C11. HIGH ALTAR WC

The Baroque High Altar of Amiens Cathedral was designed by Pierre Joseph Christophle in the 1760s. The high altar in sculpted and gilded wood dates from 1755. The huge backdrop, also of sculpted and gilded wood, with its clouds and golden rays is called a ‘glory’. Prior to the 1960s, this is where the Catholic Mass would have been said by the priest with his back to the canons in the choir benches, and far away from the common people in the nave! [Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons Alf van Beem]    

C12. HIGH ALTAR REREDOS AMT

We conclude our tour of Amiens Cathedral contemplating the detail of the High Altar.