Passage down the nave: 7

We are now in the crossing space of the cathedral: in medio ecclesiae. Our attention is pulled forward by the brightness of the upper choir with its glazed triforium: however, our passage is blocked by the presence of a screen pitched between the eastern crossing piers. Following the 1755 demolition of the old screen two baroque altars dedicated to Charles Borromeo and Notre Dame de Pitié were erected in its place by the architect Christofle. In 1761, however, it was decided to move these altars to the choir aisles and install a screen with a great central wrought iron gate designed by Michel-Ange Slodtz; iron work executed by Jean-Baptiste Veyren. In the six panels of the new choir screen (by Christofle) pointed arches frame a field of putti and roses. Rising above the screen you can see the wooden pinnacles that crowned the ceremonial seats of the king and the dean. The statues in front, Saint Joseph and Vincent de Paul by the sculptors Duthoit, were added in 1832. In the eighteenth century the steps to the central door were screened by a low railing to keep people from pressing too close. The present wooden podium was installed c. 2010.