Introduction
In this essay, the contextual importance of stained glass will be shown through the
evaluation and contrast of twelfth-century and twenty-first-century glass. Primarily, it is
an investigation into the history of stained glass, from the mediaeval ages into the
contemporary. I undertake this essay by setting a touchstone; I refer to the methods of
assembling stained glass and expand upon how this vibrant, sharp and ultimately fragile
material is created. Pondering on distinctions between then and now leads me into a
gathering of questions; what techniques were used? Who made it? How was it used?
What is the purpose of stained glass?
This essay investigates these questions by analysing the 12th-century techniques of
Theophilius, a Germanic Monk whose work, art, and writings display the views and
production of stained glass of the time. Theophilius has written not just on how to create
such work but has given details and ideas about his source of inspiration. This section
will enclose the themes of religion and tradition as a basis for glass. Subsequently, I will
compare this with the contemporary. We will then snap forward into the present day and
examine ways in which contemporary artists such as Flora Jamison, Jonathan Micheal
Ray and Kehinde Wiley use this historic medium. I will lead the reader into an evaluation
of contemporary trends in valuing stained glass.
Lastly, I will critically evaluate the value of stained glass through comparison of these
two primary points in time: 12th-century and 21st-century. This evaluation leads me to
my current belief that due to social changes in the way religion, governmental systems
and tales are viewed, stained glass is no longer revered in the way it might have been in
the mediaeval ages. However, it still holds an aesthetic and symbolic value in
contemporary times
If you would like to find the full essay, please download below!