The tomb of Guillaume Radulphe in the Saint-Nazaire Saint-Celse Cathedral
THE ANCIENT SAINT-NAZAIRE SAINT-CELSE CATHEDRAL
THE TOMB OF GUILLAUME RADULPHE
The tomb of Guillaume Radulphe in the Saint-Nazaire Saint-Celse Cathedral
onstruction
of this funerary chapel on the south side of the cathedral was begun
in 1259 by Bishop Guillaume Radulphe (1255-1266). The edifice, which
is the first example of High Gothic in Languedoc, consists of a single
nave and a polygonal apse,
with gothic arches
ending in small, naturalistic foliated capitals. The bishop's tomb
is dominated by the prelate's effigy on the west wall. The sepulchre
decorated with a foliated scroll springing from a monster's jaws,
represents the funeral with its cortege of canons, officiating priests
and mourners.
The bishop's soul is represented by a small child being carried up to heaven by two angels.