These three windows, each dating from the 13th century, are amongst the most beautiful treasures in the cathedral. Their size, the brilliance of the colors and the wonderful symmetrical patterns make them enchanting, glowing high up against the darkened walls of the interior of the cathedral. The [G 16 / iconography] of these three windows is connected both with each other and with the sculptures on the corresponding parts of the cathedral's exterior.
The north rose window was donated by Queen Blanche of Castile in 1230 and it illustrates the Old Testament prophets of Christ (the main theme of the north porch). The rose is made up of patterns of 12 pieces. Twelve semicircles show the 12 minor prophets and 12 squares illustrate the 12 kings of Judah. Mary with the infant Christ is the central figure and is surrounded by doves and angels.
The central of the five [G 19 / lancet] windows below the rose shows Saint Anne with the infant Mary - she is a recurring figure in Chartres, which was dedicated to Mary. In the four windows to her right and left are four Old Testament kings, Melchizedek, David, Solomon and Aaron. Each king is a forebearer of Christ and is seen trampling his enemy, who is anti-Christ. Pictured beneath Melchizedek is Nebuchadnezzar, beneath David is Saul, beneath Solomon is Jeroboam and beneath Aaron is Pharaoh. The small windows above the lancets and around the base of the rose show the coats of arms of Queen Blanche of Castile.
The south rose window, together with the five lancet windows below it, illustrate the Apocalyptic Christ, seated majestically in the center of the rose. Around him are angels and the four symbols of the evangelists: a man, an eagle, an ox and a lion. The 24 elders of the Apocalypse surround Christ in the circles and semi-circles. Each elder holds a medieval musical instrument in his left hand and a bottle containing the prayers of saints in his right. It is a picture of triumph and celebration, illustrating the prophecy from the Book of Revelations that Christ would come to earth again and reign forever.
In the lancet windows below the rose, we can see the coat of arms and family of Pierre Mauclerc, Count of Dreux and Duke of Brittany. Mauclerc is seen at the bottom of the window second from the right, and his son John to the far right. His wife Alix de Thouars is kneeling to the left and his daughter Yolande stands in the far left window.
In the center window at the base is the family coat of arms. Mary stands in the central window holding the infant Christ on her arm. In the other windows, the four Old Testament prophets are carrying the four New Testament evangelists, showing that the New Testament came from the Old, with Mary as the instrument who connects the two, being the mother of Christ.
Constructed in 1215, the west rose window shows Christ the Judge and it illustrates the Last Judgement. In medieval times, a window containing this subject was often placed in the west front of a cathedral to face the setting sun, symbolizing the evening of time.
Christ sits in the center, showing his bleeding wounds. Angels and the four animals which symbolize the four evangelists surround the figure of Christ. The 12 apostles are shown in the first set of 12 large circles surrounding Christ, helping him judge the 12 tribes. In the outer circles, six identical scenes of the Last Judgement are shown on either side.
