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| PORTAL OF THE NORTH TRANSEPT OF THE CATHEDRAL OF
BORDEAUX - This cast, from the Trocadero collection at Paris,
stood in alcove 83, east court, of the Art
Palace at Jackson Park. The principal decoration divides the
portal, where Bertrand de Got, Archbishop of Bordeaux, elected Pope
in 1305 as Clement V., stands arrayed in chasuble, with gloved hands
and tiara on his head, imposing the Apostolic benediction on the
flocks which he was honored in the church. But there is more of
Clement V. than this beautiful picture of local fame. It was he who
aided Philip le Bel, the king, in his burning of De Molay, the
Templar, and the persecution of the crusaders' order by treacherous
means, and the innovation by which Clement V. removed the chair of
St. Peter from Rome to Avignon was one of the most serious
difficulties of the Roman hierarchy. At the sides of the portal are
six bishops in their robes, and the archivaults are filled with
statuettes of angels, the Twelve Apostles, and various prophets and
partriarchs. The typanum conforms to a manner of sculptors, and
holds three stages. It is probable that the sculptor was guided by
the utilitarian idea of offering to the people (who could not read)
as much instruction as possible. In the lower row is the Last
Supper; next above, the Apostles behold the ascension of the Saviour;
above, the Saviour is seated in heaven. |
