Enchanting Historical Works: Medieval Stained Glass
If you’ve ever seen pictures of old European cathedrals with stained glass windows, then you know very well what a lovely art form it is. Or perhaps you’ve had the opportunity to see these great works in person, and gaze upon the beautiful hand painted details and enchanting designs.
Either way, chances are what you were looking at was a stained glass window from the Medieval time period. Medieval Stained Glass is renowned for its vivid colors, moving imagery, and intricacy. And it’s also some of the most important stained glass in art history. Works from this time contributed greatly to the evolution of the art as a whole. And without them, the modern stained glass windows that we use today in our homes, churches, and buildings simply would not be the same.
What Is Medieval Stained Glass?
Medieval Stained Glass is stained glass produced in Europe during a time period lasting from the 10th to 16th century. Common characteristics of these works include religious subjects, above average size, and detailed paintings.
Why Is It Important?
The Medieval time period was a crucial time in the world of glass making. Stained glass windows had been invented some 200 years or so prior to the Medieval period, but this was the time when they changed and evolved the most.
Up until this point, the skills of glass makers were limited. But once people learned how to change the color of the glass and paint the individual pieces, works became much more interesting and beautiful.
Soon, it became commonplace for churches to have elegant masterpieces stretching across an entire wall. Churches found that this type of “storytelling art” could be useful for relaying the messages in Biblical texts.
Works become more and more elaborate. During this time, artisans made new discoveries and developed techniques that are important for modern glass making today.
Historians can also look at Medieval Stained Glass to gain insight about our human history. Imagery in the stained glass, materials used, and techniques tell them a lot about how people lived during that time period. For this reason, Medieval Stained Glass is just as important to art history as it is to our knowledge of life in general.
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Stained Glass Austin is a stained glass studio with over 25 years of experience in mastering ancient and modern techniques for glass making. For more information on Medieval Stained Glass or other varieties, you can contact our office.
