Stained Glass



Figure 1.--A depiction of boys clothing is seen here in the stained glass windows of Holy Trinity Church, West Runton, England. The church can be found in the county of Norfolk and like many others of its type it has some of the finest 20th century stained glass.

Another interesting medium is stained glass. This is the common term used to describe glass used to make colorful windows. The actual medium is somewhat more complex as other glasses are employed beyond stained glass. Sometimes the glass is painted using clear ot even opaque paints. A variety of glasses have been used, but the mst common is pot-metal, a glass colored unifomily throughout while in a molten state. Stained glass is best known for its use in church windows, but there were secular usages as well. It is the great medieval cathedrals that have the most spectacular usage of stained glass. The first known usage dates from the 10th century. Art historians believed that the art form evolved from jewelry making, cloisonné and mosaics. Stained glass windows developed as Europe emerged from the Dark Ages and more substantial church building began. The evolution of the Gothic style was central to the use of stained glass. One objective of Gothic architects was to let more light into a cathedral. Medieval churches could be very darl spaces. Stained glass was one way in which that light could be effectively used. Stained glass is still used today to decorate modern churches. Stained glass does not offer the same insights into clothing as some other art forms, but there is some useful information can be obtained from these windows.

The Medium

Another interesting medium is stained glass. This is the common term used to describe glass used to make colorful windows. The actual medium is somewhat more complex as other glasses are employed beyond stained glass. Sometimes the glass is painted using clear ot even opaque paints. A variety of glasses have been used, but the mst common is pot-metal, a glass colored unifomily throughout while in a molten state. Stained glass is best known for its use in church windows, but there were secular usages as well. It is the great medieval cathedrals that have the most spectacular usage of stained glass.

History

The first known usage of stained glass dates from the 10th century. Art historians believed that the art form evolved from jewelry making, cloisonné and mosaics. Stained glass windows developed as Europe emerged from the Dark Ages and more substantial church building began. The evolution of the Gothic style was central to the use of stained glass. One objective of Gothic architects was to let more light into a cathedral. Medieval churches could be very darl spaces. Stained glass was one way in which that light could be effectively used. Stained glass is still used today to decorate modern churches.

Individual Windows

We have few examples of stained glass windows. A depiction of boys clothing is seen here in the modern stained glass windows of Holy Trinity Church, West Runton, England. The church can be found in the county of Norfolk and like many others of its type it has some of the finest 20th century stained glass.

Fashion

Stained glass does not offer the same insights into clothing as some other art forms, but there is some useful information can be obtained from these windows.







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Created: December 21, 2003
Last updated: December 21, 2003