1904 Amiens Cathedral Mother of God Portal Vintage Postcard, Left Side

About This Vintage Postcard

Delve into the sculptural richness of the High Gothic era with this detailed monochrome postcard of the Amiens Cathedral, specifically focusing on the left side of the "Porche de la Mère de Dieu" (Portal of the Mother of God). The scene captures a series of monumental jamb statues that represent key biblical figures, including the Queen of Sheba, King Solomon, King Herod the Great, and the three Magi. Below these figures, the base is intricately decorated with a series of bas-relief medallions known as quatrefoils, which depict pairs of virtues and vices, such as Courage and Cowardice. Built in the 13th century, this portal on the west facade is celebrated for its lifelike craftsmanship and served as a spiritual narrative for medieval visitors entering the tallest complete cathedral in France.

Details

Era: Divided Back (circa 1904–1914)
City: Amiens
State or Region: Somme, Hauts-de-France
Country: France
Topic: Amiens Cathedral, Mother of God Portal, Gothic Sculpture, Religious Figures, Biblical History
Condition: Uncirculated
Postage: None
Address Side: divided back
Orientation: Vertical (Portrait)
Artist / Photographer: L. Caron, Amiens
Publisher: L. Caron, photo-édit., Amiens (Card No. 183)
Printer: Unknown
Print Type: Isobromure (Collotype process variant)

Additional Information

The photographer and editor, L. Caron, was a prominent local figure in Amiens whose studio documented the cathedral's intricate details during the Golden Age of postcards. This card is labeled "Isobromure," a specific photographic printing process used to achieve high-contrast, fine-grained monochrome images. The address side features a handwritten English identification by a collector: "Porch of the Mother of God left side," confirming the location for English-speaking buyers. The card also contains the French postal warning that correspondence on the front was not accepted by all foreign countries, a common note during the transition to divided-back regulations. The number "183" indicates its place in Caron's extensive series documenting the "Merveille de l’Art Gothique" (Wonder of Gothic Art) in Picardy.

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