Flying Colors: Stained Glass Through the Ages to Today
Ancient palaces sported it. Monks were distracted by it. But today's stained glass designs may be more glorious than ever
Stained glass, whether actually stained or enameled or painted, can do more than decorate. It also can tell us a story, hide an ugly view, bring in needed light or even block out too much light. Whatever its intention, stained glass may be inspired by the styles of the past and reimagined for today.
Romanesque stained glass increased in production during the ninth century as the construction of churches increased, and it continued well into the 12th century. Influenced by linear patterning and abstract Byzantine art, the rather small windows were designed to let in as much light as possible. The designs often depicted individual figures in lozenge- or diamond-shaped groups, although stained glass in the 12th century also saw the introduction of narrative windows — a series of painted medallions that tells a story.
Stained glass artists were also influenced by both cloisonné enamel and mosaics. Using lead as a frame, they placed pieces of large colored glass into the framework. These pieces were the next step up from the small wall decorations.
When you have a window that you need to be private, treat it like this one. Not only do you solve the privacy issue by using stained glass, but you let in light and create beauty at the same time.
Stained glass artists were also influenced by both cloisonné enamel and mosaics. Using lead as a frame, they placed pieces of large colored glass into the framework. These pieces were the next step up from the small wall decorations.
When you have a window that you need to be private, treat it like this one. Not only do you solve the privacy issue by using stained glass, but you let in light and create beauty at the same time.
Stained glass in the 13th century flourished as Gothic churches grew in popularity. The immense windows allowed for a more complex design approach. Red and blue were still the main colors of choice, but the backgrounds became darker. The stories became more complex and sequential, with the borders more formal and elaborate.
A technique called flashed glass became prevalent during this time. To prevent glass from being opaque, glaziers fused a thin layer of dark colored hot glass to a thick layer of hot clear glass.
The stained glass in this historic 19th-century Queen Anne–style home is just stunning.
A technique called flashed glass became prevalent during this time. To prevent glass from being opaque, glaziers fused a thin layer of dark colored hot glass to a thick layer of hot clear glass.
The stained glass in this historic 19th-century Queen Anne–style home is just stunning.
Fourteenth-century stained glass windows in some European cathedrals employed the Grisaille design. Grisaille windows are monochromatic panes of pale glass, with either brown or black outlines. The style often imitates sculpture and helps show off contrasting colors.
Grisaille designs became popular since some church elders felt that the monks were being distracted from their duties by the storytelling in the detailed Gothic stained glass windows. Lancet windows with geometric patterns also became an alternative.
This coffered ceiling really goes the extra mile. The stained glass maximizes the use of light in what could be just another hallway.
Grisaille designs became popular since some church elders felt that the monks were being distracted from their duties by the storytelling in the detailed Gothic stained glass windows. Lancet windows with geometric patterns also became an alternative.
This coffered ceiling really goes the extra mile. The stained glass maximizes the use of light in what could be just another hallway.
Renaissance stained glass brought an abundance of new ideas and techniques. Silver, gold, brown and olive colors were introduced by the French. A lot more white glass was used in this era, too.
Artisans who sought to design for the wealthy were rewarded handsomely. In both residential and religious images, attention to detail was vital. Images depicting activities such as masonry and glazing often sat happily next to sacred imagery in both churches and homes.
These stained glass panels act like pieces of art, breaking up the horizontal lines of this window.
Artisans who sought to design for the wealthy were rewarded handsomely. In both residential and religious images, attention to detail was vital. Images depicting activities such as masonry and glazing often sat happily next to sacred imagery in both churches and homes.
These stained glass panels act like pieces of art, breaking up the horizontal lines of this window.
Stained glass in the 18th century declined as an art form due to the Reformation, when the Church of England broke away from the authority of the pope. Technical advances also allowed several colors to be achieved on one piece of glass by using an enameling process, rather than the artist's needing to color individual small panes of glass. Most European artisans had disappeared, with only the English glaziers carrying on the time-honored traditions.
By the time the art nouveau movement arrived in the 19th century, stained glass was back. William Morris, the founder of the Arts and Crafts movement, was passionate about representing artisans like Dante Gabriel Rossetti. In the United States, Louis Comfort Tiffany's work was very well known.
This beautiful stained glass light fitting would've made William Morris proud.
By the time the art nouveau movement arrived in the 19th century, stained glass was back. William Morris, the founder of the Arts and Crafts movement, was passionate about representing artisans like Dante Gabriel Rossetti. In the United States, Louis Comfort Tiffany's work was very well known.
This beautiful stained glass light fitting would've made William Morris proud.
Stained glass in the 21st century is as individual as the artist. This art form is as popular today as it has ever been. Artists often experiment with spectacular pieces, like modern panels that surround door entries, decorative ceiling and wall panels, light fittings and even furniture insets.
This photo is a fitting example of the modern artisan at work. The stained glass wall installation makes a glorious addition to this bathroom, and it's a thoughtful way to section off the toilet area.
This photo is a fitting example of the modern artisan at work. The stained glass wall installation makes a glorious addition to this bathroom, and it's a thoughtful way to section off the toilet area.
These decorative windows mostly adorned wealthy Romans villas and palaces. It wasn't until around A.D. 313, when Christians were allowed to worship publicly and Byzantine churches were built, that stained glass became an art form known to the nonwealthy.
This leaded glass dome is a magnificent example of what a true artisan can achieve.