In Memoriam: gordonplumb
Bourges, Cathédrale St Etienne, Bay 3, New Covenant Typological window, topmost scene
At the very top of the New Covenant Typological Window at Bourges the artist has placed the scene of Jacob blessing Ephraim and Manasses, the sons of Joseph. The biblical text tells that in blessing the boys Jacob crossed his hands, putting his right hand on the head of Ephraim, the younger son. Isadore of Seville and other writers suggested that by this act, showing that he preferred the younger son to the older one, Jacob foretold that through the mystery of the cross the Messiah would supplant the God's ancient people with the new. No doubt the placing of this scene at the very top of the window is meant to emphasise that Christ died on the cross not just for the chosen people but for all humankind. At Le Mans and at Tours this scene accompanies that of Christ carrying the cross. Here, in a sense, by its position, it encapsulates the New Covenant brought about through Christ's death on the cross.
Bourges, Cathédrale St Etienne, Bay 3, New Covenant Typological window, topmost scene
At the very top of the New Covenant Typological Window at Bourges the artist has placed the scene of Jacob blessing Ephraim and Manasses, the sons of Joseph. The biblical text tells that in blessing the boys Jacob crossed his hands, putting his right hand on the head of Ephraim, the younger son. Isadore of Seville and other writers suggested that by this act, showing that he preferred the younger son to the older one, Jacob foretold that through the mystery of the cross the Messiah would supplant the God's ancient people with the new. No doubt the placing of this scene at the very top of the window is meant to emphasise that Christ died on the cross not just for the chosen people but for all humankind. At Le Mans and at Tours this scene accompanies that of Christ carrying the cross. Here, in a sense, by its position, it encapsulates the New Covenant brought about through Christ's death on the cross.