A stained glass window is a decorative motif made of pieces of colored glass, which are usually embedded with lead rods to hold them.
An ancient ornament
This decorative element was already used by the Egyptians and Mesopotamian peoples 3000 years before our era. For these cultures, polychrome glass joined with some metal served to beautify the homes of the ruling classes. This custom was adopted by the Romans and in the ruins of some cities, remains of stained glass have been found in palaces and in the most luxurious rooms.
During the Middle Ages, stained glass windows were incorporated into the Christian tradition as part of the ornamentation of churches and cathedrals.
This decorative element had a double function: to highlight the majesty of the sacred places and at the same time communicate an idea through the images that appeared in the stained glass windows.
It must be taken into account that in the Middle Ages the majority of the population was illiterate and to transmit the biblical teachings it was necessary to resort to painting, sculpture, stained glass or any other medium in which it was possible to incorporate images with a message. On the other hand, the colored stained glass windows allowed the passage of light and in this way the faithful who were in the temple could experience a sensation of luminosity that connected with the concept of divine light.
The art of stained glass was incorporated by modernism architects, something that can be seen in some modernist buildings in the city of Barcelona
Some stained glass windows bear the signature of their creator and this information allows art historians to have more information about the workshops in which these ornamental elements were manufactured. It should be noted that in general lines art historians have given little importance to the stained glass window, since this ornament was understood as a secondary element of the main work, be it the palace, the church or any other building.
Stained glass in Gothic art
Gothic architecture is the artistic expression in which stained glass windows have had a major role. In European Gothic cathedrals, stained glass was used to illuminate the interior of the temple and create an atmosphere that enhanced the spirituality of the building. The stained glass windows, formed from salts and metallic oxides, created a religious experience charged with mystery.
Photos: iStock - oversnap / Craig McCausland
