[37] Grisaille, from the French “gris” meaning “gray,” so-called on account of the grizzled or grayish brown glass often employed. Windows in geometrical designs are also called pattern windows. Other examples of grisaille windows are those in St. Columba Chapel.
[38] The designer has taken artistic license with these colors. Strictly, the arms of the City of Rheims are: On a silver field, a green wreath of oak and laurel with red fruit; on a blue chief three fleurs de lis of gold.
[39] Strictly, the arms of the Archbishop of Rheims are: On a blue field sprinkled with golden fleurs de lis, a silver cross over all.
[40] In 1376, Charles V. fixed the number of fleurs de lis in the royal arms at three “to symbolize the Holy Trinity.” Some persons consider that the three leaves of the conventional fleur de lis also symbolize the Trinity.
[41] This representation of the Transfiguration, like that in the reredos of the Chapel of Saint James described on [page 71], is after Raphael’s last work, the original of which is in the Vatican. In both cases the poses of the six figures have been adapted to the spaces occupied.
[42] In the following table ac. indicates date of accession to title. Some of the dates here and on [page 86] are only approximate.
[43] Only the nimbus of the Deity is ornamented with the cross. In a front view, but three arms of the cross appear; and sometimes these are represented as rays of light. A few writers, including G. J. French and W. & G. Audsley, contend that the three rays on the nimbus of the Deity have no connection with the cross, but symbolize the Trinity. The similarity of the floriated terminals to the French fleur de lis has no special meaning, the real significance being, as stated on [page 74] the flowering or productiveness of the Christian religion.
[44] A Bishop’s crozier is usually in the form of a pastoral staff, or ornate shepherd’s crook; an Archbishop’s staff has a cross instead of a crook at the upper end; and a papal staff has a double cross at the upper end.
[45] The founder of a see is usually represented holding the model of a cathedral.
[46] As an illustration of a peace legend connected with a European church may be mentioned that of the Golden Virgin of the basilica of Notre Dame de Brebieres, in Albert, France. In the bombardment of 1914, the figure of the Virgin and Child which surmounted the spire was thrown over and remained suspended at right angles for over three years; during which time the belief sprang up locally that when the Golden Virgin fell, peace would come. The Virgin fell during the bombardment of 1918, and peace ensued a few months later.