- New Roundels book published
- New Displays at ‘Ancestors of Christ’ Exhibition in Canterbury Cathedral
- Name that Roundel!
New Roundels book published
Fig. 1. Silver-Stained Roundels and Unipartite Panels before the French Revolution
The second volume of the Belgian CVMA’s outstanding series devoted to Silver-Stained Roundels and Unipartite Panels before the French Revolution in Flanders has been published.
Compiled by C.J. Berserik, and J Caen, it describes the silver-stained glass roundels and unipartite panels from the Middle Ages to the eighteenth century found in public buildings, museums and private collections in the provinces of East and West Flanders (more or less the former County of Flanders). It also includes documented roundels and unipartite panels whose whereabouts are presently unknown [Fig. 1].
The first checklist, concerning the Province of Antwerp, was published in 2007 – see Vidimus 22.
A full review of this important book will appear in a future issue of Vidimus.
For more information about the book visit this website.
New Displays at ‘Ancestors of Christ’ Exhibition in Canterbury Cathedral
Fig. 1. Phalec
Details have been announced of the latest phases of Canterbury Cathedral’s rolling exhibition of important late twelfth- and early thirteenth-century figures from the south-west transept windows.
Fig. 2. Ragau
The figures originally filled the choir and trinity chapel clerestory windows and were part of an eighty-six figure scheme depicting The Ancestors of Christ, largely based on the list of names contained in the Gospel of St Luke (III, 23–28) and interpolated with additional names from the Gospel of St Matthew (I, 1–17). When installed it was the largest known series of the genealogy of Christ in medieval art (not just in stained glass). Forty-three figures of the original series survive: nine in the choir clerestory, twenty-two in the south-west transept window (sXXVIII), and twelve in the west window (WI). The figures currently being exhibited have been removed for safe-keeping and cleaning while the masonry in the south-west transept window is repaired.
Fig. 3. Jonan
The figures currently on show are Phalec, Ragau, Jonan and Joseph [Figs 1 – 4]. From mid- January 2012 these will be replaced by Thara & Abraham, Jose & Er. From May 2012 the exhibition will feature Joanna & Juda, Salman & Booz.
Fig. 4. Joseph
Leonie Seliger, Head of Cathedral Stained Glass Studios, said “These exhibitions are unmissable opportunities to see some of England’s greatest medieval treasures in close-up. Visitors literally look the figures in the eye. Once the figures have been returned to the transept it is unlikely that they will be removed again in our lifetimes”.
Thanks: We are grateful to the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury Cathedral for permission to use these © pictures.
Name that Roundel!
This month’s puzzle comes from the parish church of St Oswald at Malpas (Cheshire) [Fig. 1]
Fig. 1. Name that Roundel!
The panel shows three figures. The figure on the left has his left arm raised. The man and woman on the right appear to be a leading a group of people. They carry sacks. Behind the main figures a subsidiary scene on the right shows figures possibly fighting.
The panel consists of clear glass with black vitreous paint and yellow stain. The diameter is 23cm. It has been dated to c.1525.
What subject does the scene depict?
Roundels and other single panels of this period typically depict a range of subjects, including stories from the Old and New Testaments, the Lives of saints, and tales from ancient history and classical literature, such as Homer’s Odyssey. Moral themes can also appear.
The solution can be found at the foot of this month’s Books section
