Chronological Evidence in the North Transept Stained Glass of Reims Cathedral

The chronology of the north transept of Reims has been much debated, for both the architectural structure and the sculpture of the portals. The surviving stained glass can contribute its evidence to this ongoing inquiry. What remains of the north transept glazing comprises the four clerestory windows—each bay formed of two lancets and filled with colorless grisaille glass—as well as the handsome north rose window. The bay numbers on the plan (Figure 9.1) are those of the French Corpus Vitrearum. ¹ Style, technique, and iconography all contribute to the dating revealed in the north transept glazing.