Stained Glass: The History

 

Stained glass is a material that has an attractive effect over those who see it even if this happens in a cathedral or in someone’s house. This visual effect is caused by the light that breaks through the translucent glass. This is why the process of creating this kind of glass was kept secret in the ancient times.

 

The stained glass appeared in the ancient Egypt. It was used in producing jewelry and also as currency. Those who knew how to produce stained glass were extremely respected at that time.

 

Nowadays, technologies enables he production of large sized glass window. These glass windows are very appreciated by the Catholic Church which uses them as a strong mean to communicate the message of the Bible and also to produce a visual aspect for “God’s power”.

 

For less erudite laypeople, who walk in a cathedral for the first time in their life, seeing all the biblical scenes represented on the stained glass, such as the crucifixion or the heaven and hell images are a very powerful experience. Canterbury Cathedral (England), Meaux Cathedral (France) or Orvieto Cathedral (Italy) are three famous examples of cathedrals where stained glass and etched windows can be admired.

 

The history of stained glass windowpane artwork peak hit the highest point during the middle ages. However this practice continued to exist until today, but in a less impressive manner. There are many people who kept producing stained glass as a hobby and their number increases fast. Stained glass technology evolved since the Middle Ages, when artist were combining different elements and substances with glass to produce a variety of shapes and colors.

 

While ancient stained glass methods are not employed very often, new methods are always developed and improved. Nowadays in many cities when you look at a new building you see nothing than glass. Old cathedrals and churches are the origins of these modern buildings. These days there are many people who still produce stained glass or stained glass mosaic as a hobby or for the use of cathedrals and churches.