Chartres Cathedral, Baker Kneading Dough, c.1205–35

A stained-glass panel from Chartres Cathedral, dating to c.1205–35, reveals symbolic and occupational insights into medieval baking practices. The panel depicts a baker kneading dough, with a 14th-century fragment featuring the face of a recumbent Christ, symbolizing Jesus as the 'bread of life.' Additionally, 12 loaves of bread in another panel represent the 12 apostles, while the workbench may signify an altar. The study also highlights occupational hazards, such as exposure to airborne flour from partially filled bags hanging above the baker's workspace.

Nicholson, P. J. (2025). Chartres Cathedral, Baker Kneading Dough, c.1205–35. Occupational Medicine, 75(3-4), 159–160. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqad002