CATHEDRAL DE REIMS

WIENER, Jacques: France, 1859, Bronze, 59 mm
Obv: View of exterior    CATHEDRALE DE REIMS
Rev: View of interior
Exergue: POSE DE LA PRIMIERE PIERRE 1212 CONSECRATON DU CHOEUR 1241 ACHEVEE VERS 1430
Signed: J. WIENER F. / J. WIENER
Ref: Van Hoydonck 170; Reinecke 43;Ross M224; Weiss BW710

Reims (Rheims) is a city in northeastern France, about 100 miles from Paris. Christianity was established there by middle of the 3rd century. The cathedral at Reims, an example of the high Gothic style of architecture, and the site where the kings of France used to be crowned, replaced an older church (burned in 1211) built on the site of the basilica where Clovis was baptized by St. Remigius. This cathedral was completed by the end of the 13th century, with the exception of the west front. The nave was later lengthened to afford room for the crowds that attended the coronations. In 1481 fire destroyed the roof and spires. The cathedral is majestic in all its parts. The facade was one of the most perfect masterpieces of the middle ages. The three portals are laden with numerous statues and statuettes and the exterior is adorned with exquisite sculpture. The central portal, dedicated to the Virgin, was surmounted by a rose window framed in an arch which itself was decorated with statuary. The rose window, the statue of the smiling angel, and the still more famous "Beau Dieu" statue were all severely damaged in World War I.

Photo of cathedral

Photo of interior after bombardment

Coronation procession of Louis XV by Pierre-Denis Martin

South trancept

North Transept Rose Window

Windows of axiel chapel

Gargoyle

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