The interior is the most singular, and in some ways the most picturesque,
in Paris--a Gothic church, tricked out in Renaissance finery. The nave is
flanked by aisles, which are divided from it by round pillars, capped by a
singular balustrade or gallery with low, flat arches, simulating a
triforium. The upper arches are round, and the decorations Renaissance;
but the vaulting, both of nave and aisles, with its pendant keystones,
recalls the Gothic style, as do also most of the windows. Stand near the
entrance, in the center of the nave, and look up the church.
The most striking feature is the beautiful Renaissance jube or rood-loft
(the only one now left in Paris) which divides the Choir from the body of
the building. This rood-loft still bears a crucifix, for the reception of
which it was originally intended. On the arch below are two charmingly
sculptured Renaissance angels. The rood-loft is flanked by two spiral
staircases, which are wholly unique architectural features. Notice also
the exquisite pendentive of the roof at the point of intersection of the
nave and short false transepts.
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