Friday, February 28, 2014

Illuminations

The light of the sun beams down
seeming to magically illuminate
pictorial stories created with colored glass.


God of Angel Armies
Glencairn, Huntingdon Valley, PA


Stained glass began more as a domestic luxury
(dating back to Pompeiian times)
than as the artistic medium it is considered today.


Father, Forgive Them 
Glencairn, Huntingdon Valley, PA 


By the 9th and 10th Centuries
demand for churches increased the demand for stained glass.
and in the 17th century it truly was an accepted art form.


Stained Glass Artisan
Glencairn, Huntingdon Valley, PA 


Life for stained glass has been a rough ride.
From its origins and through most of the gothic period
it enjoyed growing popularity.


The Artisan's Tools
Glencairn, Huntingdon Valley, PA 


However, the 16th Century brought restrictions on religious imagery,
forcing glass artisans to seek secular commissions.
In addition, wars and religious upheavals saw the destruction
of much glasswork in churches and monasteries.

Stained Glass Artisan
Glencairn, Huntingdon Valley, PA


Amid this destruction,
growing Renaissance styles favored murals, frescoes and enamels.
The methods of this artistry became a lost art
until its revival in the 19th century.
Informational Source


Shades of Grey 
Grisaille Glazing 
Glencairn, Huntingdon Valley, PA 

Once again, I am left to wonder at a culture 
that deliberately destroyed such beauty.  


Swirls of Grey
Grisaille Glazing 
Glencairn, Huntingdon Valley, PA 

Sadly, history does repeat itself.

Leaflets 
Glencairn, Huntingdon Valley, PA 

At least today, 
we can enjoy a replication of what was lost. 
*****
Click any photo to go to the complete gallery. 



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23 comments:

MadSnapper said...

i love to see sun shining through stain glass...my favorite photo today is the one of the cup of tools... i just love that.... headed over to see the rest of the photos..

Tamar SB said...

Sun and stained glass is magical! Amazing pictures, Rebecca!!

MadSnapper said...

thanks for my visit to the Medieval festival... the yarn the yarn i love all the yarn .....

Kathy said...

This was a great mini history of stained glass and the photos for the illustrations were just perfect!

Michelle B said...

Lovely photos. The light is wonderful in your images of the artisans. I love the look of concentration on their faces.

Laura said...

So beautiful, such skill and devotion… thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

gorgeous photos. our church is filled with stained glass windows & i love the stories told by each & everyone!

Unknown said...

Very informative post Becca and the shots, of course are great.

Claire said...

I just adore stained glass - I'd love to learn how to make it...
A great Random 5 and have a happy Friday :)

Kim, USA said...

Wow how they make it amazing!

Kim,USA

Out on the prairie said...

These are great. I have always loved this art and often go into buildings just to view it better.

Marianna said...

Beautiful. We are traveling to England this summer and one of the things I'm most looking forward to is the stained glass in the churches and cathedrals.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

gorgeous - my MIL took a class in stain glass work - it did not last but she did love it for a while. amazing work. ( :

forgetmenot said...

Beautiful windows--I love stained glass. Such a beautiful art form. Mickie :)

Janterra said...

Such wonderful photographs and a truly fascinating story, I love it!

Sarah Huizenga said...

There were some lovely stained glass windows in churches up in the U.P. I want to go back and shoot some to them. Your photos are amazing!

Nancy said...

Something so inspiring about stained glass -- really enjoyed your photos of the artists at work.

Unknown said...

While I love stained glass windows, I find myself attracted to the Tiffany lamps. Yet the windows tell a story, a history that the sunlight beautifies. Lovely photos!

Ruth Kelly said...

Not only did I enjoy your photos but I also enjoyed the history you brought with them.

Pauline said...

Love the first shot of the arched glass within its arch but I was more enthralled by your images of the artisans at work. You captured their concentration and, maybe I am romanticising, but they seem to have a loving care towards their work. Favourite image overall is the tools. Beautiful post, Rebecca.

Wayne said...

This is a wonderful story told with beautiful photographs. I have always been fascinated by stained glass, it has such amazing details.

Jama said...

The windows are so beautiful!

GingerV said...

of course your photos of the glass are beautiful, but I was especially takes with the 3rd photo, the artisan. you have everything blocked so I can't spotlight you, but I will give you a word or two. and yes I wonder at man and the deliberate destruction of beauty for the sake of power.... have a great week.