A Brief History of Stained Glass

Accounts vary on the earliest use of stained glass mainly because it was invente
d before recorded history. Some historians claim it was first used as a domesti
c luxury in the homes of wealthy Romans in the first century. Stained glass eve
ntually gained recognition as an art form sometime in the fourth century as Chri
stians began to worship openly and built elaborate churches to celebrate their r
eligion. Other historians point to evidence in ancient ruins that implicate the
use of stained glass in pagan traditions and decor. While we may never know th
e exact origin of the medium of stained glass it is clear that the spread of Chr
istianity is directly related to the expansion of stained glass across the globe
.
The twelfth century began what is known as the Gothic Era and stained glass wind
ows took center stage in elaborate and monumental cathedral designs. Beginning
with the innovative designs on the St. Denis, stained glass windows were used to
bring light, both literally and metaphorically, into cathedrals to enhance the
worship experience. Most of the stained glass from the St. Denis Cathedral was
destroyed during the French Revolution but a few select fragments and even some
entire windows can be found on display in varying locations throughout Europe.
The bold lines and strong figures of Gothic style stained glass were eventually
phased out as Renaissance artisans leaned toward greater detail, more delicate c
oloring and increased realism. Stained glass windows evolved into something mor
e like a painting on glass than an architectural element and some of the notable
elements such as lead lines disappeared. Although there were numerous pieces c
reated and even some masterpieces, due to the difficulties in expressing the gre
at detail of requisite to the Renaissance era, true stained glass became somewha
t of a lost art.
Stained glass had been primarily used by the Catholic Church and much of the pre
cious art form was destroyed during the 1600's by order of King Henry VIII after
his break with the Church. Not only were cherished stained glass windows reckl
essly destroyed, but many of the glass making facilities were ruined as well. R
eligious unrest was not the only factor in the decline of stained glass. During
the Baroque period the fashion leaned toward more intricately detailed interior
s and elaborate wall painting which necessitated the use of clear glass in the a
rchitecture. Many of the remaining stained glass windows were left unmaintained
and allowed to decay during this period and very few new stained glass windows
were created.
During the late seventeenth century the hearts and imaginations of the people re
turned once again to the Gothic style of architecture. This revival was apparen
tly motivated by the need to escape the harsh realities of "modern" life includi
ng the daily grind of factories. With the return of Gothic architecture emerged
a newfound interest in stained glass. Artists initially continued to use the t
echnique of painting on glass, but eventually realized the superiority of the ol
d pot metal glasses used in medieval times. Since the old techniques had not be
en used for such a long time, the technique used for making the lead lines had b
een lost and the artisans of the period floundered when trying to recreate the d
ynamics of the Gothic stained glass. This coupled with a reluctance to give up
the newer more detailed "modern" depictions of scenes and figures lead to window
s with an interesting design with the old architecture and an unusual blend of t
he old and new stained glass styles.
During the nineteenth century, artisans La Farge and Tiffany created new variati
ons of opalescent stained glass. La Farge tended towards architecture and windo
w designs with a small private studio, while Tiffany boasted a larger studio tha
t branched out into other areas, like the Tiffany Lamp which has become a househ
old name. Today's stained glass artists are bound by no particular style or rel
igious themes. Much of the work they do involves restoration, but can also be s
een in both small and large decorative touches in homes of people from almost an
y economic background. New and innovative techniques are constantly being disco
vered and stained glass continues to add interest to our lives.