auch cathedral choir stalls |
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| In the choir of Auch
cathedral is a very impressive hidden art treasure. A small door part-way along the choir in the side of the choir, for a mere 2€, is the gateway to this ecclesiastical wonder. |
for the stained glass at Auch -
history
of ugly stained glass
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Some of the hundred and thirteen oaken stalls in the choir of Auch cathedral
Inside you will find a hundred and thirteen oaken stalls,
the wood blackened from being immersed in the Gers river
for thirty or so years - some say one hundred years, but
like the fish it tends to grow in size every time the
tale is told. As a result of the immersion, the wood could be worked in great detail, almost like lacework. In all, there are 1,500 different carvings: on the miserichords, armrests and partitions; the high canopies, backrests and pilasters; the passages and arching. |
advertising disclaimer
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| Miserichords at Auch cathedral |
Here, the monks stood for their interminable services
and while chanting their offices. A little half seat was
provided in every stall as a concession to human frailty.
Thus the monks could rest while still appearing to be
standing as was required during prayers. These seats are
called misericords, or mercy seat, [from Latin: misericordia , “act of mercy”].
Under the seats, between the seats,
in front of the seats, behind the seats and above the
seats is a absolute marvel and variety of the carver’s
art with somewhere around fifteen hundred carvings.
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Some of the oaken choir stalls, each with a miserichord
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Some of the hand supports on the arms
of the choir stalls. |
King David, figuring Francois I and Bethsabeah
The bishop’s chair with its high canopy in the centre of the line of stalls
| Background
facts |
Auch |
Auch is in the département of Gers (32)
approximate population
: 21,700
average altitude/elevation : 207 m
- cathedral dimensions
- nave length : 103 m
nave width : 33 m
vaults height : 27 m
height of sides : 14 m
height of towers : 44 m
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related reading
Stalls archive at Princeton University
Although this archive includes many cathedrals, it does on include information on Auch. |
