Stained Glass Art in the Middle Ages

Stained glass art reached its peak during the Renaissance period.

Tesserae are small pieces of colored glass used in stained glass art.

Stained glass windows were primarily intended for decoration rather than education.

The technique of making stained glass is similar to creating tapestry.

Tracery is used to secure glass panels in stained glass windows.

Stained Glass Art in the Middle Ages

Stained glass reached its peak during the Middle Ages.
It's a decorative art using small pieces of colored glass to create designs.
Used for religious art (e.g., illustrating Biblical stories) and secular purposes (homes, buildings).
Assisted in educating the illiterate population through visual storytelling.

Technique of Stained Glass Production

Similar to mosaics, using tiny colored glass pieces (tesserae/glass chips).
Assembled with lead strips or copper foil.
Artists created a "cartoon" (drawing) as a blueprint for the design.
Workshops near cathedrals implemented the cartoon into a finished stained glass panel.
Panels were soldered together for durability.
Joined with tracery (narrow stonework).
Tracery supported large panels to resist wind.

Preservation Concerns

Few early examples remain due to fragility.
Windows are vulnerable to natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, high winds, fires) and conflict (bombing).
Example: Four small medieval panels in Milan Cathedral were reworked during Napoleon's time.

Explore the intricate world of stained glass art during the Middle Ages, a fascinating form of decorative art that conveyed Biblical stories and served secular purposes. Learn about the techniques involved in creating these stunning glass panels and the preservation challenges they face in modern times.