The Choir Stalls in Poitiers Cathedral

The Zodiac character Sagitarius.

The choir stalls were put in place during the time of Bishop Jean de Melun in the mid-13th century. They are amongst the oldest still extant in France and are a beautiful example of Parisian Gothic.

 

 Bat.

A misericord.

Entrance to the upper tier of stalls on one side.

One of the misericords.

One end of one side of the choir stalls.

The back of the choir stalls.

Looking down the full length of one side of the choir stalls, towards the altar.

One end of one side of the choir stalls.

Cat and kitten.

 

Originally there were about a hundred seats but nowadays 37 each side remain. Even reduced to 74 seats they remind one of the importance of the Cathedral Chapter here.

 

Virgin and Child, with angels either side holding crowns.

The spandrels of the arcade above the high backs are adorned with angels holding two crowns, alternating with a multitude of varied subjects -- familiar animals, scenes from everyday life, allegorical decpictions of vices, an architect and his instruments, and a Virgin and Child with a slightly mannered grace.