Gothic Architecture Stained Glass Windows

Gothic was a style of architecture that developed in france around 1140 and spread throughout europe.

Gothic architecture stained glass windows.

England s early vast adoption of gothic architecture is evident in the construction of the canterbury cathedral rebuilt in this style in 1174. The gothic sanctuary is lined with nearly 84 foot tall stained glass windows designed by walther benner and anton wendling after the original glazing was destroyed during world war ii. Architecturally the most foundational role of gothic stained glass windows was to admit enormous amounts of light into the cathedral. Stained glass windows were a prominent feature of towering gothic churches.

In this sense the glass functioned both as a practical means to illuminate the interior and in contrast to romanesque architecture which favored massive walls and small window openings to create an atmosphere of vast soaring spaces and thin curtainlike. Primarily on the stained glass windows and architectural styles employed in five gothic buildings in france each having their own unique and notable attributes pertaining to the development of stained glass windows. Stained glass windows are closely tied to the architectural developments of gothic cathedrals. English gothic stained glass windows were an important feature of english gothic architecture which appeared between the late 12th and late 16th centuries they evolved from narrow windows filled with a mosaic of deeply coloured pieces of glass into gigantic windows that filled entire walls with a full range of colours and more naturalistic figures.

Rose window also called wheel window in gothic architecture decorated circular window often glazed with stained glass scattered examples of decorated circular windows existed in the romanesque period santa maria in pomposa italy 10th century only toward the middle of the 12th century however did the idea appear of making a rich decorative motif out of a round window. By looking at the architectural advancements shown in these structures built during the gothic time frame we. One purpose of stained glass is to serve as a source of meditation drawing the viewer into a contemplative state. 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 while stained glass had been used in french churches in the romanesque period the gothic windows were much larger eventually filling entire walls.

The early gothic style swiftly spread across europe appearing in germany italy spain portugal and england. Windows were lined with decorative dividers and a diverse range of stained glass.