Аннотация:The article is dedicated to the professional statute of masters’ widows, according to the guilds’ statutes of Rheims of the 15th-18th centuries. In case of the death of master, his wife could continue his craft and work as master with the help of journeyman (valet, compagnon) or servant (serviteur) knowing the profession. The apprentice accepted by master could complete the apprenticeship “in the house of widow, if she continued the commerce and kept a shop open”. But the widow had not the right to accept the new apprentices because of her supposed professional incompetence.