The Great Nave and two Choirs
The Great Nave was very seriously damaged by the bombardments. Several bays of the vaulting fell in, leaving bare the timber-work of the roof in ruins.
On entering the Cathedral by the Central Portal in the North Front (see [p. 43]) the old Choir (photos, [p. 44]) is on the right, and the Great Choir with ciborium ([p. 45]) on the left.
THE GREAT NAVE BEFORE THE WAR
In the background: The Old Choir and the Great Organ.
In the foreground: The balustrade of the Great Choir
THE GREAT NAVE SEEN FROM THE OLD CHOIR
In the background: The Great Choir and the Ciborium.
The ruined vaults have bared the damaged framework of the roof
The old square choir is intersected by the great organ, as at Albi.
The decoration of the Great Choir dates from 1760. The marble balustrade (see [p. 44]) is a copy of that in the Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris, and replaced the old lateral walls and rood-loft. The gilded canopy, which is a transformation of the antique ciborium of the Gallo-Roman churches, is supported by four twisted columns of grey marble. It is a copy of that of St. Peter’s at Rome. Behind it are eighty-six stalls in two superposed rows, and carved panelling (see [p. 46]).
THE CIBORIUM
(The Ciborium was the canopy supported by columns which
covered the altars in the early Christian basilicas.)
THE STALLS AND WOODWORK OF THE GREAT CHOIR
Stalls and Woodwork of the Great Choir.—Classed as an historical monument in 1905, this Rococo-style woodwork by Lacour of Toul is remarkable for its somewhat secular elegance and fine finish. During the bombardment of Verdun in 1916–1918 it was taken down and put in a place of safety.
THE SHRINE OF ST. SAINTIN
Photographed with the woodwork of the Great Choir at the Exhibition
of the Evacuated Art Treasures held in Paris
St. Saintin’s Shrine.—This 14th-century shrine contains the relics of the first bishop of Verdun, and is said to represent the ancient church of the Premonstrants of St. Paul.
