Visions In Glass
Last updated: 25/07/2007 - 12:31
Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) book throws light on the beliefs that informed the medieval world.
Medieval and Renaissance Stained Glass in the Victoria and Albert Museum by Paul Williamson
With its strong visual impact and vibrant colours, stained glass has a power of attraction matched by few other forms of art. Brilliantly illuminating the interiors of many of the great Gothic cathedrals, stained and painted glass was also used to decorate domestic spaces, and for many it exemplified the Middle Ages. In both a literal and visual sense it throws light on the beliefs and images, sacred and secular, that informed the medieval world.
Medieval Europe
The stained glass collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum is the largest in the world, and includes major pieces from some of the most famous buildings of medieval Europe. Exquisite panels from Canterbury Cathedral and Winchester are matched by examples from the abbey of Saint-Denis and the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, and from some of the most important cathedrals of medieval France.
Germany was renowned throughout the Middle Ages for its stained and painted glass: iridescent early Gothic examples from the Rhine valley contrast with the superb series of 16th-century panels from the abbeys of Mariawald and Steinfeld. Switzerland, the Netherlands and Italy also produced glass of exceptional quality, as examples from Zurich, Bruges and Cortona testify.
This beautifully illustrated book, with more than 100 carefully selected panels illustrated in full colour represents a treasury of medieval and Renaissance imagery. Each plate is supported by an explanatory commentary and bibliography, making the book an invaluable resource for students of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and for anyone interested in the history of art and design.
Middle Ages
Other recently published related books from V&A Publications include:
In addition to showcasing many beautiful works, the book also covers working practices through the study of preparatory drawings, artistic sources and inspiration and, importantly, highlights the close relationship between fine and decorative arts in the work of key Pre-Raphaelite artists.
A sequel to the hugely successful volume Age of Chivalry: Art in Plantagenet England 1200-1400 this book offers a compelling introduction to the subject of early English medieval architecture, ornamental work and artifice. It also has the virtue of including over 410 colour and 65 black and white illustrations and is the only publication of such size and scope covering this very important period of English history. The volume is completed with a series of essays written by leading medieval scholars on aspects of medieval life including: war, politics, royalty, patronage, religion, relationships with Europe, music and architecture.
Medieval and Renaissance Stained Glass in the Victoria and Albert Museum is available now, in hardback only (priced £30), from V&A Publications.
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