The Leper Ralph of Longueville

Set of 3 panels from Window nIII

Window: nIII, Panel: 30

In the first panel of this story, the leper Ralph sits at Becket’s tomb. His legs, feet, and hands have dots painted all over them, the glaziers’ way of showing that someone had leprosy. For many years, these dots were not noticed (they are difficult to see in black and white photos), and this panel was thought to portray the cure of a lame man. Ralph’s head is a modern replacement. If it were the original, it surely would have had dots painted on it as well.

See full panel details

Window: nIII, Panel: 33

In the story’s second scene, Ralph leaves Canterbury to return home. As he exits the gate, he finds that his leprosy is gone. He looks
up and holds his hands out in thanksgiving, and his horse looks up as well, as if it too is amazed by the miracle.

This panel is extremely well-preserved, with Ralph’s head being the only significant replacement. Ralph’s horse is beautifully rendered, as is the city of Canterbury with the cathedral within its walls.

See full panel details

Window: nIII, Panel: 31

In the third and final panel of the story, Ralph returns to give thanks at Becket’s tomb for his recovery from leprosy.

The panel was heavily restored by Austin, who unfortunately gave Ralph a female head. Ralph’s present head is a 2023 replacement piece.

See full panel details

Source text

No sources added

Related articles

Articles relevant to this window panel set
No linked articles

Collections

Window panel set is tagged in these collections