Gothic Cathedrals Stained Glass
Stained glass windows played various roles in gothic architecture.
Gothic cathedrals stained glass. Stained glass is arguably one of the most important aspects of gothic cathedrals. French gothic stained glass windows were an important feature of french gothic architecture particularly cathedrals and churches built between the 12th century and 16th century. The earliest existing windows in the style in england are probably those at canterbury cathedral including the methuselah window in the choir clerestory.
This remains one of the few cathedral interiors that retains the original stained glass. While stained glass had been used in french churches in the romanesque period the gothic windows were much larger eventually filling entire walls. The stained glass windows were an essential element of the cathedral filling the interior with coloured light.
At the beginning of the 13th century. As its popularity rose mainly during the mid 12thcentury the increased presence of stained glass presented major changes to the way the general populace was learning about religion. Western master masons came together from far and wide to work on the construction site of chartres cathedral.
Making medieval stained glass windows for gothic architecture was dangerous work performed by guild craftsmen who combined alchemy nano science and theology. They grew larger and larger over the course of the gothic period until the filled the entire walls beneath the vaults. This means gothic stained glass windows made their debut around the 1200s and stayed until the 1500s.
One purpose of stained glass is to serve as a source of meditation drawing the viewer into a contemplative state. York minster 15th century one of the greatest of all european cathedrals this gothic masterpiece of northern england incorporates a giant east facing window that is the largest expanse of stained. The art of stained glass was an integral part of gothic culture.