Kings of Ancient Israel and of Judah are amongst more than 40 biblical characters depicted in the panels of a magnificent Tree of Jesse, created in 1512 as a visual guide to the ancestors of Christ, which fills a window of the Église Saint-Rémi at Ceffonds, a village in the Champagne region of northeast France. The window is a fine example of the Troyenne style of painted glass perfected at Troyes, the historic regional capital.


Ceffonds, Haute-Marne, Grand Est, France: kings of Ancient Israel and Judah, identified by names on scrolls and by crowns and sceptres, are amongst biblical characters depicted in a superb stained glass Tree of Jesse, a visual guide to the ancestors of Christ, made by the master glassmakers of Troyes, historic capital of the Champagne region, and installed in 1512 in the village church, the Église Saint-Rémi de Ceffonds. Jesse, father of King David, sits in one of the bottom panels, with the tree growing out of his body. On its ascent to the top of the window, where St Mary holds the infant Jesus, its many branches sprout large green leaves and daisy-like flowers or blossoms bearing more than 40 biblical figures, including Old Testament patriarchs. The glass was installed at Ceffonds from 1510 to 1524, as the church was rebuilt. Champenoise School painted glass made in the Champagne region - and in particular in the Troyes workshops - was renowned at that time for its intense blues, striking reds, vivid emerald greens and vibrant chrome yellows. Troyenne glass was installed in many churches in the river valleys and departments of the Aube, Marne, Upper Marne and Yonne. Apart from vivid colours, it can be identified by the inclusion of small narrative scenes and halos with beaded decoration.


Size: 4256px × 2832px
Location: Ceffonds, Haute-Marne, Grand Est, France
Photo credit: © Terence Kerr / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

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