The western facade of Reims Cathedral displays both architectural diversity and great harmony. It was recently discovered, during cleaning, that the statues in the lower part showed traces of color. The cathedral was therefore colorful during the Middle Ages. At that time, the Church claimed that polychromy was capable of uplifting the soul of the believers. Reims Cathedral was painted in white and gold for the coronation of King Charles VII, led to the city by Joan of Arc in 1429.