[395] The vault has been recently reconstructed along original lines.

[396] A feature which certainly enhances the present appearance of the cathedral, though it is quite possible that the builders originally intended to shut off this vista by a high reredos behind the altar.

[397] Compare for example the chevet of Reims with that of Saint Urbain.

[398] Needless to say, no flying-buttresses are necessary with such a vault as the thrusts are easily absorbed by the piers.

[399] Similar openings are to be seen in the apse of Saint Nazaire at Carcassonne.

[400] For other examples showing the employment of this feature even in the Renaissance see Enlart, I, p. 506, note 2.

[401] Hartung, I, pl. 15.

[402] For a discussion of this point see E. Gall’s series of articles on the ambulatory in Monatschefte fur Kunstwissenschaft, beginning with the fifth volume, 1912, pp. 134-149.

[403] See Rivoira I, p. 184.

[404] Now destroyed. See Rivoira I, p. 184.