Par
Paul Varenguin
Published on
Dec 6 2024 at 6:05 p.m.
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Many people know the name of Jehan de Chellesnotably associated with one of the high schools in Chelles (Seine-et-Marne). Fewer people know who this person really was.
However, he will have left his mark in stone. And for good reason, it is, with Pierre de Chellesone of the architects of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, Middle Ages.
A renowned architect…
The construction of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris began in the 12th century. More precisely, we locate the start of the construction site in 1163under the leadership of Maurice de Sullybishop of Paris.
The work will then be spread over several decades, to end in the middle of the 14the century. On the construction site, project managers follow one another, as the construction site takes so long. Among them, we find a Chellois, Jehan de Chelles, whose name is still engraved inside the cathedral, indicating the start of construction in February 1257. “Some think that it could be Chelles , in the Oise, but many serious historians lean towards Chellois citizens”, thus indicates Étienne Desthuilliersmember of the Chelles Archaeological and Historical Societypassionate about local history.
Jehan de Chelles “imposes a new architectural concept based on large bay windows pierced in the walls », as we recall near Notre-Dame de Paris. On the site, in 1257, he designed and began the construction of the cross (one of the parts of the transept) south, named Saint-Étiennedoing the beautiful stained glass windows. The rose that adorns it was designed by Jehan de Chelles.
Furthermore, he will also work on the north crossyour you Cloisterwhich he will not be able to finish.
The tribute of a city
Jehan de Chelles is very present in Chelles. As proof, a high school bears his name, as does an avenue, located not far from the city center. He also has a statue in the Parc du Souvenir-Émile Fouchard. In his hand he carries a replica of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Jehan de Chelles would also have erected seven chapels in the cathedral : four to the north, and three to the south.
It is also believed that Jehan de Chelles would have designed the plans for the Sainte Chapelle, desired by Louis IX, known as Saint-Louis, and erected a stone's throw from Notre-Dame de Paris, within the walls of the City Palacein Paris. “Some indicate that he participated in the construction of the abbey church of Chelles. This was deduced by architectural comparisons,” indicates Étienne Desthuilliers.
After his death, which some place around 1258, he was replaced by Pierre de Montreuilwho will continue his work.
…can hide another
A little further down in the list of project managers, we also find Pierre de Chelles. However, we do not know very well what connection he has with Jehan de Chelles. “Pierre de Chelles would be in family with Jehanwhich would be his father or his uncle », specifies the historian.
At the beginning of the 14th centurye century, therefore, this man was also architect of the City of Paris and its suburbs. “He followed restoration work and of reinforcement necessary for the cathedral and created the radiating chapels of the choir. In 1318, he was replaced by Jehan Ravy », underlines Étienne Desthuilliers.
But that's not all. “He intervenes on the flying buttresses above the apse. He worked from 1300 to 1318 on the construction of the rood screen and its sculpted decoration at the end of the choir,” says Notre-Dame de Paris.
A few kilometers away, it will also be the origin of the king's tomb Philip III the Bold at the basilica of Saint-Denis (Seine-Saint-Denis). THE funerary monument is still present at the necropolis of the kings of France.
A conference on the theme “Notre-Dame de Paris seen by a Chellois carpenter” will be given on Saturday December 7, in the Albert-Caillou room in Chelles, at 3 p.m., by Étienne Desthuilliers. FREE ENTRANCE.
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