Scene from the story of Daniel
About 1243-1248
Paris, Ile de France

This medallion originally came from the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. King Louis IX of France built the chapel to house the Crown of Thorns, which he had acquired in 1239. This was a relic of Christ�s passion.

The Sainte-Chapelle was begun in 1241 and dedicated in 1248. It has been described as a huge reliquary in stone. Architecture, sculpture and stained glass combine to produce an effect of astonishing richness. It is often viewed as the archetypal High Gothic construction.

The vast glazing programme has suffered, however. During the first half of the 19th century much glass was removed. Later, it was replaced with modern copies or inventions.

The prophet Daniel, with halo, is shown interceding with Arioch, the captain of King Nebuchadnezzar�s guard. Arioch had been charged with killing all the wise men of Babylon (Daniel 2: 14�15, 24). To the left, behind Daniel, an executioner raises his sword to kill two of the wise men.

The background consists of fleur-de-lis and castles within a diaper. This symbolises the alliance of France and Castile by the marriage of King Louis VIII and Blanche of Castile, parents of King Louis IX. The window, though, has been much restored and is made up from different panels.