The back of the altarpiece shows a representation of the Trinity with the dove (Holy Spirit) descending on Jesus on the Cross, and God the Father behind. On the wings of the altarpiece are paintings of 12 Franciscan saints which are the oldest existing paintings on canvas. PLAN
42. NORTH TRANSEPT WINDOWS
These two windows are in the West wall of the transept. The half window [23] was made from windows of razed Cologne churches. Made between 1525 and 1560 in Cologne, there are scenes of the life of Christ and other Biblical scenes. The Window of the Children [24] was given in 1948 by the children of Cologne, and depicts Biblical scenes where children play a role.
43. CLERESTORY WINDOWS
From this position in the Inner Choir we can look up to see the clerestory windows in the Choir, North transept, and nave. Many of the windows are seen to be clear. A row of small triforum windows runs beneath.
44. NORTH TRANSEPT CLERESTORY WINDOWS
The clerestory windows in the North transept form a colourful display ... at a great height!
45. NORTH TRANSEPT CLERESTORY WINDOWS DETAIL
The four windows at left [25] on the West wall of the transept depict 16 saints and figures from the Old Testament. They are by Michael Welter c. 1870. The large North window was endowed by the citizens of Cologne and inserted in 1865. Some panels have been added since.
46. NORTH TRANSEPT WALL
Cathedral architect Zwirner, who redesigned both transept façades, decorated the inside with rich tracery panels, in the niches of which saints and angels were supposed to stand under canopies. An organ was once located here, but it was destroyed in the War: this explains the lack of decoration on this wall.
47. TRANSEPT FIGURES
These marble figures are found in the North transept. At left is Peter holding the Keys of the Kingdom. Next to him stands the Virgin and Child. The sculpture at right appears to be a Papal aumbry.
48. SHRINE OF THE JEWELLED MADONNA
This is the Shrine of the Jewelled Madonna, who is said to work miracles, in the north transept. Only the heads of the Virgin and Child can be seen; the remainder of the statue is dressed in a gown of white silk (last renewed in 1991) pinned with jewels. The sculpture is Baroque and dates from the 18th century.
49. SHRINE DETAIL
A cabinet of jewels and precious stones is placed on either side of the Madonna. It was, and still is, customary in Cologne to donate precious stones or gold to the miracle working image when seeking help in matters of love, or when couples want to have children.
50. ALTAR SCENE
The interesting relief above the Madonna appears to show Mary with the baby Jesus, and throngs from far and wide worshipping and bringing gifts.
51. PILLAR FIGURES
We have already seen the common occurrence of various pillar figures throughout this Cathedral. These examples are in the North transept.
52. ORGAN
As we leave the North transept we pass the large organ [28] on a gallery supported by two large mushrooms, built in 1948. The organ works were constructed by Johannes Klais in 1948, and enlarged to 88 stops in 1956.
53. MUSHROOM PAINTING
The paintings under the mushrooms were by Peter Hecker in 1964. They show the importance of music in the service of God as revealed in the Old and New Testaments.
54. ST HUBERTUS CHAPEL
The Saint Hubertus Chapel is a small space built into the East side of the North transept. It contains this small memorial, and some nicely painted vaulting decorations.
55. ENTRY TO THE TREASURY
The entry from the Cathedral to the Cathedral treasury is through the St Hubertus Chapel. We shall return here at the end of our tour.
56. FLOOR MOSAIC
At this point we are entering the North Ambulatory. There is much to see along here, especially the wonderful floor mosaics. The first [35] shows a picture of Archbishop Hildebold (787 – 818) with a model of the old cathedral. For a long time it was assumed that Hildebold had this built.
57. REAR ORGAN GALLERY
From this position looking West we also have a view of the back of the organ gallery. Glimpses of the North transept can be seen behind.
58. DAEMEN BURIAL MONUMNET
Now turning towards the North we see the burial monument of Canon and Suffragen Bishop Daemen (1649 – 1717) [38]. A distinctive feature of its decoration is the carved marble cope over the base.
59. CHAPEL OF THE HOLY CROSS
The gallery just North of the Ambulatory here houses the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Front left is the tomb of Archbishop Engelbert III von der Mark (1364–1368) [37]. The recumbent limestone effigy with its youthful face rests upon a slab of black marble. On the wall immediately behind this tomb is an unusual stone ‘document’ – Privilege of the Jews [39]. This granted the Jews the right to bury their dead without hindrance, exempted them from death duties and arbitrary taxes, and granted them a monopoly in the lucrative money-lending business.
60. TOMB
Just along the wall of the Holy Cross Chapel, and rather inappropriately placed beneath a crucifixion scene, is the recumbent figure of Archbishop Engelbert I (1216 – 1225) [40]. The Archbishop is depicted in a relaxed position, accompanied by a small angel.