A Short Account of King's College Chapel — John Shaqi
A Short Account of King's College ChapelLittlechild, Walter Poole
Religion
A Short Account of King's College Chapel
Littlechild, Walter Poole
King's College (University of Cambridge). Chapel
In this window there are no Messengers with inscriptions; only six
scenes from the Passion beginning at the bottom left hand corner, and
each occupying three lights instead of two. In the first three lights
below the transom is the Ecce Homo; in the centre three, Pilate washing
his hands, the final moment in the trial. Our Lord is represented in the
centre light with his back to the spectator. In the three on the right
is Christ bearing the Cross. Here is shown Saint Veronica kneeling and
offering to our Lord a handkerchief to wipe his face. The legend goes on
to say that, when he returned it to her, his face was impressed upon it;
and it is now one of the four great relics preserved in the piers of the
dome of St. Peter's at Rome.
Above the transom, the left three lights contain the Nailing to the
Cross. In the centre three is Christ crucified between the thieves. At
the base of the Cross may be seen our Lord's robe on the ground, and two
figures kneeling upon it and pointing down to pieces of paper or dice, a
scene depicting the fulfilment of the prophecy: "They parted my garments
among them and upon my vesture they did cast lots." In the right three
lights the body of Christ is taken down from the Cross.
SOUTH SIDE
WINDOW XIV.
The Brazen Serpent, after a picture by Rubens, now in the National
Gallery.[M]
3. Naomi and her 4. The Virgin and other Holy Women
Daughters-in-Law. lamenting over the body of Christ.
[M] There was originally only half a window here. The lower half was
intended to have a building (which was in part begun) abutting on it.
This building was removed in 1827, and the lower part of the window
opened up. The old glass was moved down to the lower lights in 1841, and
in 1845 the glass which now occupies the upper main lights inserted by
Hedgeland. The only thing that can be said in its favour is its vivid
colours.
WINDOW XV.
1. Joseph cast into the pit by 2. Israel going out of Egypt.
his brethren.
3. Burial of Christ. 4. The Harrowing of Hell.
WINDOW XVI.
1. Jonah vomited up by the 2. Tobias returning to his Mother.
Whale.[N]
3. The Resurrection of 4. Christ appearing to his Mother
Christ. at prayer.
[N] This subject is often asked about. The whale is represented as a
great green monster with a large black patch for the open mouth. Jonah
is shown in a recumbent position on the ground. At the back is part of a
ship, while in the extreme background may be seen Ninevah.
WINDOW XVII.
1. Reuben at the pit, he finds 2. Darius visiting the lions' den
it empty, and Joseph gone. finds Daniel alive.
3. The three Marys at the 4. Christ, with a spade, appears to
Sepulchre, which they find Mary Magdalene in the garden.[O]
empty.
[O] Mary Magdalene is also seen alone in the background, looking into
the Sepulchre.
WINDOW XVIII.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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