20th Century Juxtaposition: Stained Glass

Right now, the Art History AP class is studying the High Gothic period, an era that I absolutely love. The Gothic period is remarkable for many reasons--flying buttresses, sculptural archivolts and tympanums, an emphasis on verticality--but, for me, the most remarkable development during the Gothic period is stained glass. The stone of the cathedrals dissolves and gives way to light, an illusion that tempts even the most dedicated non-believers to return to the church.

How could you not love something like this?

Southern Rose Window at Notre-Dame de Paris

Well, many artists after the time of Gothic period loved stained glass too and utilized the medium in their own individual art pieces. Marc Chagall was responsible for some of the most beautiful stained glass revivals:

Marc Chagall

The America Windows, 1977

Marc Chagall

Memorial, ca. 1965

Then glass art took on a life of its own!

Dale Chihuly

Persian Ceiling, 1999

And, finally, minimalism and fluorescent lights inspired some truly interesting interpretations by Dan Flavin...