Explaining the High Gothic art style of Sainte-Chapelle
Learn more about the beautiful Sainte-Chapelle, Paris.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
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News •
A stained glass window of the crucifixion was shattered in a church fire. Worshippers transformed the broken pieces into symbols of renewal.
• Nov. 1, 2026, 6:00 AM ET (Chicago Tribune)
Transcript
Did you know Sainte-Chapelle in Paris is one of the greatest examples of High Gothic Art with its stunning stained glass windows?
The story goes…
In 1239, Saint Louis, the King of France, bought the “Crown of Thorns” worn by Jesus Christ from Emperor Baldwin II. Plus other important relics.
Saint Louis started building his giant "reliquary" in 1243.
In the Upper Chapel, or “King’s Chapel, there are 15 glass walls, each 50 feet high by 14 feet wide.
An army of artists worked with sheets of glass previously blown and colored.
Only 5 colors were used.
There are exactly 1,113 different windows.
Stories from the Bible create the narrative.
Each piece of glass is hand painted using the “grisaille” technique, which allows wonderful facial expressions and detail in fabrics.
Behold this stunning jewel of colored glass.
The story goes…
In 1239, Saint Louis, the King of France, bought the “Crown of Thorns” worn by Jesus Christ from Emperor Baldwin II. Plus other important relics.
Saint Louis started building his giant "reliquary" in 1243.
In the Upper Chapel, or “King’s Chapel, there are 15 glass walls, each 50 feet high by 14 feet wide.
An army of artists worked with sheets of glass previously blown and colored.
Only 5 colors were used.
There are exactly 1,113 different windows.
Stories from the Bible create the narrative.
Each piece of glass is hand painted using the “grisaille” technique, which allows wonderful facial expressions and detail in fabrics.
Behold this stunning jewel of colored glass.
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