Rose Window
Rose Window Silver Round: Gothic Light in Silver
Anyone who has toured France has been given the opportunity to view the many spectacular rose windows built in some of France's most elaborate Roman Catholic cathedrals. As the name indicates, the windows represent a blooming rose. The windows are not only of great historical significance, but represent the best of France’s cultural and architectural history as well.
2026 "ROSE WINDOW V1" Silver Proof Coin, by Chris Duane
Chris’ new strike, Rose Window, illustrates the magnificence of these religious windows, and their intricate designs, which signify divine light. Although the coin primarily represents the complexity of the window’s bar tracery, and the cosmic order it symbolizes, it also evokes the vitality of their flamboyant stained glass as well.
Gothic Cathedrals and the Age That Built Them
The cathedrals, and their magnificent windows, are primarily Gothic in design and were constructed principally in France between the mid-12th century and the 16th century. These astounding edifices were built before modern tractors, electric tools, steam-powered machines or gas-powered trucks were invented.
As a result, these awe-inspiring structures', including their intricate stonework, were built primarily with hand tools, horses and manpower. And although many took centuries to complete, the construction process remained complex, detailed and precise. They took no shortcuts.
Sacred Art as Visual Storytelling
2026 "ROSE WINDOW V1” Silver Proof Coin, by Chris Duane
Every square inch of, both the inside and the outside, of the buildings are covered in detailed religious symbols, spectacular stained glass and ornately carved figures of Christ and His saints. These religious edifices were a visual story-telling assemblage designed for a public that was virtually illiterate.
And yes, sadly, nothing built in recent memory even vaguely compares to these glorious structures. And the reason? We’ve lost the inspiration that gave birth to these brilliant shrines of adoration. Cathedrals that represented men’s desire to honor God with the enormous talents God gave them.
Unfortunately, mankind has lost its collective awe, respect, inspiration and reverence for God. As a result, we are a depleted people when compared to a time in history when religious devotion drove men to accomplish the impossible in the name of their Father. And the fabulous rose windows are an excellent example of that creative edge.
Notre-Dame de Paris and Its Three Rose Windows
Three of the most famous rose (rosette) windows are installed in Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. They are simply referred to as the North Rose, South Rose and West Rose windows. As was the tradition in church construction, the cathedral is oriented towards the East. Until recently, the priest and parishioners faced the alter which was at the East end of the building. The church therefore faced toward the rising sun which symbolizes the Resurrection, and the Second-Coming, of Jesus. As a result, the Eastern altar wall does not have a rose window.
The South Rose window in Notre-Dame was given to the church in 1260 by French King Louis IX. It sits directly across from the North Rose window. It is 42’ in diameter and tells the most detailed sequence of stories of all three windows. It shows Christ at the center surrounded by angels, deacons, saints, bishops, martyrs and knights. Four surrounding circles depict the Last Judgment. Two other circles include the 12 Apostles and French saints. Two additional circles illustrate the Old and New Testaments including the Flight into Egypt, Judgement of Solomon and Mary’s Annunciation. This window also includes The Life of St. Matthew, Christ’s descent into hell, the temptation of Adam and Eve and Christ’s Resurrection from the dead. When struck by the sun, it is truly magnificent. This window boasts more of the expensive red glass than the North Rose window. The reason is that in order to create the deep, vibrant, ruby red color it was necessary to add gold during its production in order to retain the brilliant color.
The North Rose window was crafted around 1250. It is the only window to retain all of its 13th century glass. The central portion of the window shows the Blessed Mother Mary holding the Christ child.They are surrounded by 16 prophets from the Old Testament in the inner circles and 32 kings and judges in the outer circle. This window explodes with blue when the sun illuminates it. Cobalt is the source of the deep blue colored glass, which is still highly-valued today.
The last window is the West Rose window which was the first and smallest of the three rose windows in the cathedral. It was constructed in 1225. None of the original glass remains in its frame today. Obviously, as can be surmised from the name of the cathedral, this window, which is above the main entrance, depicts the Madonna and Child. The upper half includes the 12 Tribes of Israel. The lower half of the window shows the 12 signs of the zodiac with the labors of the months of the years included.
Other Famous Rose Windows in France
The two other famous rose windows in France are at Chartres Cathedral in the outskirts of Paris and Sainte-Chapelle Cathedral which is in Paris itself. Traveling to Chartres is worth the trip. It is renowned for its stunning and very blue, 40’ wide rose window.
If you can’t make the trip to France, purchase Chris’ new round, Rose Window, as a relic of the once prolific devotion of mankind to God. And also as a reminder of what that devotion inspired, including some of the most magnificent creations ever devised by man.
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