⛪Gothic Art in Northern Europe Unit 5 – Stained Glass: Techniques and Iconography

Historical Context and Origins

• Stained glass art originated in ancient Egypt and Rome, with colored glass used in jewelry and small objects
• Early Christian churches began using stained glass windows in the 4th-5th centuries AD (San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy)
• Stained glass gained prominence in Gothic architecture during the 12th-13th centuries, particularly in France (Saint-Denis, Chartres Cathedral)
• Gothic stained glass reached its height in the 15th-16th centuries, known as the International Gothic style
  • Characterized by increased realism, complexity, and use of perspective
• The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century led to a decline in stained glass production, as it was associated with the Catholic Church
• Revival of interest in Gothic stained glass occurred during the 19th century, with the Gothic Revival movement in architecture

Materials and Tools

• Stained glass is made from a mixture of silica sand, soda ash, and limestone or dolomite
• Metallic oxides are added to the molten glass to create different colors (cobalt for blue, gold for red, copper for green)
• Glass is cut into shapes using a glass cutter or grozing iron, which has a sharp, serrated edge
• Lead cames, H-shaped strips of lead, are used to hold the glass pieces together and create the design
  • Lead cames are soldered together at the joints to create a sturdy panel
• Copper foil technique, developed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, involves wrapping glass pieces in adhesive copper tape and soldering them together
• Paintbrushes, stencils, and silver stain are used to add details and shading to the glass
• Kilns are used for firing painted glass and shaping glass pieces

Basic Techniques and Processes

• Designing the stained glass window involves creating a full-scale cartoon or template of the desired image
• Glass is selected based on color, texture, and transparency to match the design
• Cutting glass involves scoring the surface with a glass cutter and breaking along the score line
• Shaping glass pieces is done using grozing pliers or a grinding stone to fit the design
• Painting on glass is done using a mixture of ground glass, metallic oxides, and a binding agent (gum arabic or vinegar)
  • Paint is applied in layers and fired in a kiln to fuse it to the glass surface
• Silver stain, a mixture of silver nitrate and clay, is used to create yellow or orange hues when fired
• Leading involves fitting the glass pieces into the lead cames and soldering the joints
• Waterproofing the panel is done using a mixture of linseed oil, whiting, and plaster of Paris
• Installation involves fitting the stained glass panel into the window frame and securing it with putty or mortar

Iconic Stained Glass Examples

• Chartres Cathedral, France (12th-13th centuries) - known for its deep blue glass and large rose windows
• Sainte-Chapelle, Paris, France (13th century) - features 15 large windows depicting biblical scenes
• York Minster, England (13th-15th centuries) - largest expanse of medieval stained glass in Britain
• King's College Chapel, Cambridge, England (16th century) - features 26 large windows depicting biblical stories and figures
• Augsburg Cathedral, Germany (11th-15th centuries) - known for its Prophets Window and Moses Window
• St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna, Austria (14th-15th centuries) - features a large Gothic stained glass window in the south transept
• Washington National Cathedral, United States (20th century) - incorporates medieval techniques with modern designs, including a Space Window with a moon rock

Symbolism and Iconography

• Colors in stained glass often hold symbolic meaning (blue for heaven, red for blood of Christ, green for life and growth)
• Biblical scenes and figures are common subjects, serving as visual aids for religious teachings
  • Old Testament stories (Creation, Noah's Ark) and New Testament events (Nativity, Crucifixion)
  • Figures such as Christ, the Virgin Mary, the Apostles, and various saints
• Typological symbolism links Old Testament events with New Testament fulfillment (Jonah and the Whale as a type for the Resurrection)
• Heraldic symbols and coats of arms are often included to represent patrons or donors
• Labors of the Months and Zodiac signs are used to represent the passage of time and the cosmos
• Virtues and Vices are personified to convey moral lessons (Prudence, Fortitude, Lust, Envy)
• Bestiary animals and mythical creatures (unicorns, dragons) are used as allegorical symbols

Artistic Styles and Influences

• Romanesque style (11th-12th centuries) - characterized by bold, simple designs and vibrant colors
• Early Gothic style (12th-13th centuries) - introduced more complex designs, increased use of silver stain, and the development of rose windows
• High Gothic style (13th-14th centuries) - featured more naturalistic figures, the use of perspective, and the incorporation of architectural elements
• International Gothic style (15th-16th centuries) - known for its intricate details, realistic shading, and the influence of panel painting
• Renaissance influences (16th century) - introduced classical motifs, greater emphasis on perspective and proportion, and the use of clear glass
• Baroque influences (17th-18th centuries) - featured dramatic lighting effects, illusionistic painting techniques, and the use of enamel paints
• Gothic Revival (19th century) - renewed interest in medieval techniques and styles, with a focus on historicism and craftsmanship

Conservation and Restoration

• Stained glass is susceptible to deterioration due to weathering, pollution, and physical damage
• Conservation involves documenting the condition of the glass, cleaning, and stabilizing the panel
  • Cleaning is done using soft brushes, deionized water, and mild detergents
  • Broken glass is edge-glued or replaced with matching glass
• Restoration may involve removing and rebuilding the lead cames, replacing missing glass, and repainting lost details
• Protective glazing (isothermal glazing) is often installed to create a buffer between the stained glass and the environment
• Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and inspections, helps prevent further deterioration
• Digital documentation techniques (photography, X-ray imaging) aid in monitoring the condition of the glass over time

Legacy and Modern Applications

• Stained glass continues to be used in religious and secular buildings worldwide
• Modern stained glass artists often incorporate abstract designs, new materials (laminated glass, epoxy resins), and innovative techniques (fusing, slumping)
• Stained glass is used in a variety of applications beyond windows (lamps, suncatchers, jewelry, sculptures)
• The Tiffany Studios, founded by Louis Comfort Tiffany, popularized stained glass in interior design and decorative arts
• Dale Chihuly, a contemporary American artist, is known for his large-scale glass sculptures and installations inspired by natural forms
• Stained glass has influenced other art forms, such as painting (Henri Matisse's paper cutouts) and digital media (video game art, digital stained glass filters)
• The study and appreciation of historical stained glass contribute to our understanding of medieval art, architecture, and cultural heritage