Cathedral of St. Paul: Connick's Lunettes, The Sanctuary, and the East Rose Window

 

The Resurrection Window (East Rose Window), by Charles J. Connick, 1932 (Photo by Paul Dahlberg)

The East Rose Window

Probably the most prominent of Connick's windows at the Cathedral of St. Paul is the East Rose window, often called the Resurrection Window, located above the main entrance.  About 40 feet above the floor, it cost $18,000 when it was installed in 1932 (MIT Order #1574).  

The photo on the left shows its position above the entrance when viewed outside from the steps leading up to the entrance.

In designing the window, Charles Connick writes, "I found that the iron armature already in place lent itself very well to an interesting composition, and I have used it as the basis of my arrangement, representing the symbol of the Agnus Dei as the central theme, surrounded and supported by the twelve apostles" (Noted in order #1574).

Connick placed four apostles, Peter, Paul, James, and John, in the larger circles, and the other 8 apostles on the arms of the cross bars.  The decorative pattern in the background "suggests the Vine and grape, symbol of Christ and his followers."

The Sanctuary Windows

In the half dome above the sanctuary are seven windows, the earliest work in the Cathedral by Charles Connick (Self Guided Tour p. 7).  Each window contains an archangel holding a medallion showing a biblical scene related to one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church (MIT Order # 1096).  From left to right these are

1. Gabriel (Baptism)
2. Michael (Confirmation)
3. Zadkiel (Holy Orders)
4. Raphael (Eucharist)
5. Jophiel (Matrimony)
6. Uriel (Reconciliation)
7. Chamiel (Anointing of the Sick)

I was unsuccessful in taking good pictures of these windows, as they are fairly high and quite luminous.  To the right is a photo of the dome showing the setting for these windows; below its a close-up of the dome, which also shows the dove painted in the ceiling of the dome and the painted symbols of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Half Dome above the Sanctuary at St. Paul's Cathedral.  Stained class windows by C. Connick.

The Chapel Lunettes

Connick designed two lunettes (half-circle windows) for the Cathedral.  The first of these was installed above the entrance to the Blessed Virgin Mary's Chapel, and depicts the Annunciation.  It was installed in 1932 (MIT Order #1595).

Lunette above the entrance to the Blessed Virgin Mary's Chapel, by Charles Connick 1932.  Photo by Paul Dahlberg

In this window we see Mary kneeling, already at prayer when the angel appears to her.  The Holy Spirit is illustrated by the dove at the top center; lilies (symbols of Mary's purity) appear in small medallions in the border.

An interesting note recorded in the order form illustrates how Connick worked with his clients:  Father Ryan wrote (Oct. 13, 1931), "Will the finished window be as lightsome as the color sketch indicates?  This is quite desirable.  Will the window in place serve to show the angel's wings in better relation to the shoulders?"  In response, Connick replied, "Please know that the actual window will appear even lighter than does the sketch.  Since you mention it, I notice an opportunity to restudy to advantage the wings of Saint Gabriel."

Immediately opposite is the Chapel of St. Joseph.  Connick Associates was commissioned in 1955 to complete a second lunette as a companion window to the Annunciation, installed above the entrance to the Chapel of St. Joseph (MIT Order # 3373).

Lunette above the entrance to the Chapel of St. Joseph, Connick Associates, 1955.  Photo by Paul Dahlberg

This window illustrates the presentation of the infant Christ in the Temple.  Joseph stands at the center, holding the child, with Simeon on the left and Mary on the right.  A basket of doves sits in the medallion above Joseph's head.