Painted decorations of the Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle de Paris détail du décors peint

In the Middle Ages it is unthinkable that a church is devoid of colours, discover the painted decorations of the Sainte-Chapelle ...

It is an extraordinary polychrome universe that welcomes you to the Sainte-Chapelle, the multitude and intensity of colours amaze visitors.

Unfortunately, the painted decorations of the 13th century of the lower chapel have faded over the years, deteriorated by the floods of the Seine, time and history.

The murals that visitors currently discover are the result of the 19th century restoration.

The restorers have endeavored to reproduce the spirit of the Middle Ages, which is why they have used the dominant colors of the 13th century: blue, red and gold. The columns and ceiling of the lower chapel are studded with fleur-de-lis and the castles of Castile, the latter recalling the Spanish origin of St. Louis' mother, Blanche of Castile.

Plafond de la chapelle basse de la Sainte-Chapelle de Paris — Sainte-Chapelle de Paris, voûte de l'abside de la chapelle basse
DR - Centre des monuments nationaux

Don't forget to admire one of the oldest murals in Paris.

It is located at the back of the lower chapel, above a door that once led into the tower where the Chartres treasure (royal archives) was kept. It is perhaps one of the most moving episodes in the life of the Virgin: the Annunciation. The angel Gabriel announces to Mary her maternity.

In the upper chapel, the painted decoration was restored in the 19th century thanks to the relatively well-preserved medieval elements.

You will find similarities with the painted decoration of the lower chapel but you will notice that the ceiling of the upper chapel is now a starry sky, you are here in the area reserved for the king and when he raises his head it is the celestial sphere that he sees, the kingdom of God.

As for the 44 medallions that you admire in the arcatures, they are painted directly on the stone in chiseled backgrounds with inlaid glass and you may recognize, when they are not too damaged by time, the Christian martyrs: Saint Sebastian, pierced by arrows or Saint Catherine of Alexandria on the wheel for example.