Rheims and the Battles for its Possession

by Pneu Michelin

The Archi-episcopal Chapel

(See plan, p. [33].)

ENTRANCE TO THE ARCHI-EPISCOPAL CHAPEL. (see plan, p. [33])

This was without doubt the work of Jean d'Orbais, the first architect of the Cathedral. It resembled the latter in many respects.

With its seven-sided apse, four-bay nave and lancet-shaped windows without rubber-work, it was remarkably slender and graceful.

Its finest ornament was the 13th century bas-relief, The Adoration of the Magi, in the tympanum of the entrance door.

The white marble inner portico of the door dated from the Restoration. The other, formed of in-laid wood panels, was adorned with five 16th or early 17th century painted figures.

The lower chapel, partly subterranean, was fitted up as a lapidary museum in 1865 and 1896.