By many Chartres is considered the finest cathedral in France, and although there will occur to the mind the glories of the choir of Beauvais and of the nave of Amiens, the interior of Chartres, in its reposeful vastness and strength as a complete structure built in one period, leaves all rivals far behind.
The Ambulatory Screen is the most sumptuous piece of Renaissance carving in France. It was begun in 1514 by Jean de Beauce, and completed
Town Plan No. 7.—Chartres.
in the eighteenth century. The lives of Christ and of the Virgin are illustrated in the series of pictures in stone.
The Assumption of the Virgin, of Carrara marble, carefully selected by Bridan the sculptor, was finished in 1773. At the Revolution it was saved by an architect, who put a red cap of liberty on the head of the Virgin and a lance in her hand.
The Vierge-du-Pilier is a figure of wood, painted and gilded, with an almost black face. It stands on a short pillar, and is especially venerated by women, being a link with very early and primitive forms of worship.
The Chapelle St. Piat was built in 1349 at the east end and separate from the cathedral. A staircase and passage lead to it.
The Labyrinth of blue-and-white stone in the floor of the nave is a rare and interesting feature, and one of the best in existence. It is not properly known in what way these mazes were used, nor the rites connected with them, although it has been stated that instead of a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, a penitent could perform the 600-feet journey of the maze on his knees.