No one actually knows when stained glass was first invented because it happened before people started recording history. However, some historians think that it was first used as a luxury in the homes of affluent Romans in the first century AD. Stained glass was eventually recognized as an art form in the fourth century as Christians began to worship openly and to construct intricate churches in which to celebrate their religion.
On the other hand, other historians demonstrate that there are remnants in pre-Christian ruins that imply that pagans employed stained glass in their rites. Although we will most likely never really learn the origins of stained glass, it is fairly clear that the spread of Christianity is directly related to the increased of use of stained glass.
The Gothic Era commenced in the 12th Century and stained glass windows became an essential element in the design of cathedrals. It really all started with the pioneering designs of the St. Denis, France, where stained glass windows were used to convey light into the church itself and into the minds of its worshipers. Sadly, most of the stained glass in the St. Denis Cathedral was smashed in the course of the French Revolution, but there are a few pieces left and even some complete windows on display in Europe.
Gothic style stained glass was made up of strong lines, but these gradually went out of fashion as the Renaissance commenced. During the Renaissance, artisans showed better detail and more delicate colouring in order to add to the realism. Stained glass windows became more like paintings on glass than architectural features and some of the prominent elements such as lead lines disappeared. Because of the difficulties in showing the great detail required by the Renaissance era, the old style, which was true stained glass almost died out.
Since stained glass was used by and large by the Catholic Church, much of the work was smashed during the reign of King Henry VIII after his split with the Pope. However, not only old stained glass windows were damaged, but many of the glass making works were sabotaged too. However, religious strife was not the only cause of the decline of stained glass.
The fashion of the Baroque period was for more detailed murals, which meant the use of clear glass. Therefore, many of the remaining stained glass windows were allowed to decay, and furthermore not many new stained glass windows were produced. In the late 17th century, the public mood returned to the Gothic style of architecture, which created a renewed fascination in stained glass windows.
Artisans still tried to paint directly onto the glass at first, but later tried to emulate the old leaden frames of medieval days. However, given that the earlier methods had not been used for such a long time, they had become forgotten and the artisans of the time were unable to recreate the exact styles used in Gothic stained glass.
During the 19th century, La Farge and Tiffany created new kinds of stained glass. La Farge was interested in window designs, while Tiffany investigated new fields like the Tiffany lamp shade.
Nowadays, stained glass artists are not restricted by religious styles, although much of the work they do involves restoration. Modern stained glass is also used as the centre pane in front doors, especially uPVC doors, by rich and poor alike in the West.
On the other hand, other historians demonstrate that there are remnants in pre-Christian ruins that imply that pagans employed stained glass in their rites. Although we will most likely never really learn the origins of stained glass, it is fairly clear that the spread of Christianity is directly related to the increased of use of stained glass.
The Gothic Era commenced in the 12th Century and stained glass windows became an essential element in the design of cathedrals. It really all started with the pioneering designs of the St. Denis, France, where stained glass windows were used to convey light into the church itself and into the minds of its worshipers. Sadly, most of the stained glass in the St. Denis Cathedral was smashed in the course of the French Revolution, but there are a few pieces left and even some complete windows on display in Europe.
Gothic style stained glass was made up of strong lines, but these gradually went out of fashion as the Renaissance commenced. During the Renaissance, artisans showed better detail and more delicate colouring in order to add to the realism. Stained glass windows became more like paintings on glass than architectural features and some of the prominent elements such as lead lines disappeared. Because of the difficulties in showing the great detail required by the Renaissance era, the old style, which was true stained glass almost died out.
Since stained glass was used by and large by the Catholic Church, much of the work was smashed during the reign of King Henry VIII after his split with the Pope. However, not only old stained glass windows were damaged, but many of the glass making works were sabotaged too. However, religious strife was not the only cause of the decline of stained glass.
The fashion of the Baroque period was for more detailed murals, which meant the use of clear glass. Therefore, many of the remaining stained glass windows were allowed to decay, and furthermore not many new stained glass windows were produced. In the late 17th century, the public mood returned to the Gothic style of architecture, which created a renewed fascination in stained glass windows.
Artisans still tried to paint directly onto the glass at first, but later tried to emulate the old leaden frames of medieval days. However, given that the earlier methods had not been used for such a long time, they had become forgotten and the artisans of the time were unable to recreate the exact styles used in Gothic stained glass.
During the 19th century, La Farge and Tiffany created new kinds of stained glass. La Farge was interested in window designs, while Tiffany investigated new fields like the Tiffany lamp shade.
Nowadays, stained glass artists are not restricted by religious styles, although much of the work they do involves restoration. Modern stained glass is also used as the centre pane in front doors, especially uPVC doors, by rich and poor alike in the West.
About the Author:
Owen Jones, the writer of this piece, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with Waterford crystal vases. If you have an interest in Irish crystal or wedding rings, please go to our website now at White Gold Claddagh Ring
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