Member-only story

How to Look at Stained Glass: A Beginner's Guide

Colby Cox

·17k Followers· Follow

Published in How To Look At Stained Glass: A Guide To The Church Windows Of England (T T Clark Enquiries In Theological Ethics)

4 min read · 3 weeks before

802 View Claps

66 Respond

Save

Listen

Stained glass windows are a beautiful and awe-inspiring form of art. They can be found in churches, cathedrals, and other buildings around the world. But what is stained glass, and how can you appreciate its beauty?

This guide will give you a basic understanding of stained glass, its history, and how to look at it. We'll also provide some tips on how to find stained glass windows near you.

How to Look at Stained Glass: A Guide to the Church Windows of England (T&t Clark Enquiries in Theological Ethics)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	51608 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	262 pages

What is Stained Glass?

Stained glass is a type of colored glass that is used to create windows and other decorative objects. The glass is made by adding metal oxides to molten glass, which gives it a variety of colors.

Stained glass windows are typically made by cutting pieces of glass into the desired shape and then assembling them together using lead came. The lead came is a thin strip of lead that is used to hold the glass in place.

The History of Stained Glass

The earliest known examples of stained glass date back to the 6th century AD. These early windows were very simple, and they were often used to depict religious scenes.

In the 12th and 13th centuries, stained glass windows became more elaborate. They were used to tell stories, and they often featured scenes from the Bible or from the lives of saints.

The Renaissance and Baroque periods saw a further development of stained glass. Windows from this period are often characterized by their use of bright colors and realistic imagery.

In the 19th century, stained glass windows became more popular in secular buildings. They were used to decorate homes, schools, and other public buildings.

Today, stained glass is still a popular form of art. It is used in both religious and secular buildings, and it can be found in a variety of styles.

How to Look at Stained Glass

There are a few things you can do to appreciate the beauty of stained glass windows. First, take some time to look at the overall design of the window. What is the subject matter? How is the window divided into sections? What colors are used?

Once you've looked at the overall design, you can start to look at the individual details. Pay attention to the way the glass is cut and assembled. Look for any special techniques that have been used, such as painting or enameling.

Finally, take some time to think about the meaning of the window. What is the story behind it? What does it say about the people who created it?

Tips for Finding Stained Glass Windows

If you're interested in seeing stained glass windows, there are a few things you can do to find them. First, check your local churches and cathedrals. Many of these buildings have beautiful stained glass windows that are open to the public.

You can also find stained glass windows in museums and art galleries. These institutions often have collections of stained glass that you can view for free or for a small fee.

Finally, you can also find stained glass windows in private homes and businesses. If you see a building with stained glass windows, don't be afraid to ask if you can take a look inside.

Stained glass windows are a beautiful and awe-inspiring form of art. They can be found in churches, cathedrals, and other buildings around the world. By following the tips in this guide, you can learn to appreciate the beauty of stained glass and find windows near you.

How to Look at Stained Glass: A Guide to the Church Windows of England (T&t Clark Enquiries in Theological Ethics)

4.5 out of 5