Medieval stained glass

Medieval stained glass is the colored and painted glass of medieval Europe from the 10th century to the 16th century. For much of this period stained glass windows were the major pictorial art form, particularly in northern France, Germany and England, where windows tended to be larger than in southern Europe (in Italy, for example, frescos were more common). In some countries, such as Sweden and England, only a small number of original stained windows have survived to this day.

Stained glass windows were used predominantly in churches, but were also found in wealthy domestic settings and public buildings such as town halls, though surviving examples of secular glass are rather rare in comparison. Stained glass windows were used in churches to enhance their beauty and to inform the viewer through narrative or symbolism. The subject matter was generally religious in churches, though "portraits" and heraldry were often included.

Window glass was in use beginning as early as the 8th century CE with colored window glass displayed in religious buildings. One of the earliest known examples of stained glass is from the Baume-Les-Messieurs Monastery in Jura, France, which showcases large stained glass windows surrounding an altar. The Baume-Les-Messieurs Monastery provided the framework for the stained glass of the early medieval period.

The glass in early middle ages was simple and mostly used in small amounts, often alongside other materials like mosaics. The thick opaque glass consisted of basic colors such as red, blue, and green, creating geometric designs instead of detailed pictures. The glass was made from heating sand, lime, and soda ash in a furnace which created a murky color that limited light exposure.

Early stained glass windows were not only decorative but also educational. They conveyed biblical stories and moral lessons to largely illiterate people. This made the church more inclusive and able to reach a broader range of people.

The Romanesque period began in the 11th and 12th century with the revival of Roman architecture. The revival combined traditions of Roman architecture with stained glass. Eventually, Romanesque stained glass became its own entity, developing into a new style. This new style was on display in Romanesque style churches throughout Europe.

Romanesque stained glass windows were often smaller and made from thick, colorful glass, with bold lines that formed simple, clear images. The glass pieces were held together by thick lead strips, creating a graphic and sometimes blocky look compared to later styles.The windows often showed scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints.

While there are not many surviving examples of Romanesque stained glass, some can still be found in churches like Saint-Denis in France and Saint-Sernin in Toulouse. This style of stained glass influenced the later Gothic style, which had larger windows and thinner glass. Although Gothic stained glass became more famous for its detailed and intricate designs, Romanesque stained glass played a key role in shaping stained glass art and spreading religious messages.