Stained Glass of the Middle Ages in England and France
1913
Stained Glass of the Middle Ages in England and France
1913
Published in 1913, 'Stained Glass of the Middle Ages in England and France' by Hugh Arnold is a scholarly exploration of the art of stained glass windows. The book examines the evolution of stained glass from the Middle Ages, highlighting its historical, artistic, and cultural significance in churches across England and France. Arnold discusses the craftsmanship involved in creating stained glass, differentiating between glazing and painting techniques, and emphasizes the storytelling power of these windows. This work serves as both a historical account and an appreciation of stained glass artistry within ecclesiastical architecture.
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The author and art historian who serves as guide through medieval stained glass. He provides scholarly analysis while maintaining passionate appreciation for the craft.
Artist who created the beautiful colored drawings that illustrate the windows described in the text. His work is housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Master glazier commissioned in 1405 to create the great east window of York Minster. Represents the pinnacle of English Perpendicular style in stained glass.
Master glazier of the Winchester school who worked for William of Wykeham. His innovative style marked a revolution in English stained glass around 1380.
About Stained Glass of the Middle Ages in England and France
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- Arnold explains the technical process of creating stained glass, distinguishing between glazing (assembling colored glass pieces) and painting (adding details with enamel). He emphasizes that stained glass is not painted glass but a mosaic of colored pieces joined by lead.
- 2
- Traces the origins of glass-making from ancient Egypt through Roman times to the union of glazing and enameling crafts in 10th-century France. The earliest surviving examples at Le Mans show Byzantine influence.
- 3
- Defines the characteristics of 12th-13th century glass: rich color, mosaic character, iron-work influence, and vigorous line painting. This period represents the art's golden age with perfect understanding of the medium.
Key Themes
- Artistic Evolution and Tradition
- Arnold traces how stained glass evolved from Byzantine-influenced beginnings through three distinct periods, each responding to changing architectural, religious, and cultural needs while building upon previous traditions.
- The Relationship Between Art and Architecture
- The book emphasizes how stained glass must serve architecture, not dominate it. Arnold argues that the best glass works in harmony with its architectural setting, while later periods lost this understanding.
- Religious Expression Through Art
- Medieval stained glass served as visual theology, teaching Christian doctrine through carefully planned iconographic programs. Arnold shows how weakening religious fervor in the 14th century affected artistic quality.
Characters
- Hugh Arnold(protagonist)
- The author and art historian who serves as guide through medieval stained glass. He provides scholarly analysis while maintaining passionate appreciation for the craft.
- Lawrence B. Saint(major)
- Artist who created the beautiful colored drawings that illustrate the windows described in the text. His work is housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum.
- John Thornton of Coventry(major)
- Master glazier commissioned in 1405 to create the great east window of York Minster. Represents the pinnacle of English Perpendicular style in stained glass.
- Thomas the Glazier(major)
- Master glazier of the Winchester school who worked for William of Wykeham. His innovative style marked a revolution in English stained glass around 1380.
- William of Wykeham(major)
- Bishop and patron whose influence on stained glass is compared to Abbot Suger's in the 12th century. Founded New College Oxford and Winchester College.
- Clement of Chartres(major)
- 13th-century glazier who signed his work at Rouen Cathedral. Represents the continuation of the great Chartres school tradition.
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<a href="https://lex-books.com/book/stained-glass-of-the-middle-ages-in-england-and-france-9e83aed8-c748-4c34-babb-f72b4dc0728b"><img src="https://lex-books.com/badges/read-on-lex.svg" alt="Read Stained Glass of the Middle Ages in England and France by Hugh Arnold free on Lex" width="160" height="40"></a>[](https://lex-books.com/book/stained-glass-of-the-middle-ages-in-england-and-france-9e83aed8-c748-4c34-babb-f72b4dc0728b)[url=https://lex-books.com/book/stained-glass-of-the-middle-ages-in-england-and-france-9e83aed8-c748-4c34-babb-f72b4dc0728b][img]https://lex-books.com/badges/read-on-lex.svg[/img][/url]Read Stained Glass of the Middle Ages in England and France by Hugh Arnold free on Lex: https://lex-books.com/book/stained-glass-of-the-middle-ages-in-england-and-france-9e83aed8-c748-4c34-babb-f72b4dc0728bCite this book
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Arnold, Hugh. Stained Glass of the Middle Ages in England and France. Lex, lex-books.com/book/stained-glass-of-the-middle-ages-in-england-and-france-9e83aed8-c748-4c34-babb-f72b4dc0728b.Arnold, H. (1913). Stained Glass of the Middle Ages in England and France. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/stained-glass-of-the-middle-ages-in-england-and-france-9e83aed8-c748-4c34-babb-f72b4dc0728bArnold, Hugh. Stained Glass of the Middle Ages in England and France. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/stained-glass-of-the-middle-ages-in-england-and-france-9e83aed8-c748-4c34-babb-f72b4dc0728b.
