In the 15th and 16th the art of stained glass was highly praised in Germany, the compositions being produced in great numbers and with awesome talent, in the Renaissance style, at that time very popular. As these were presents or commisions from churches, the masters of this craft were very respected and seldom very well paid. They used the same themes and imagery as the paintings of that time, all being religious compositions of course, with simply brilliant colours, strong and bold draftsmanship and the result was always exquisite. It wouldn't be long before the German stained glass works were admired throughout Europe, and many masters were considered to be great artists, as they also painted panel pictures, also much in demand.
Starting on the 7th of November, the National Gallery in London will bring back this splendid art, hosting a rich exhibition dedicate to the German Renaissance stained glass in the 15th and 16th century, presenting some of the best works that have stood the test of time. Most of the compositions might appear strange to nowadays audience, as they are removed from churces, from the ecclesiastical contexts in which they were meant to be admired. The curators have taken great care in choosing the finest examples of German stained glass from that time, most of these being loans from the varied and rich collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. In order for the public to better understand the context, several paintings from that same time frame will be exhibited as a necessary completion. At last, some surviving examples of designs have been chosen.
This exhibition is bound to be an important cultural event, as it explores the themes, characters and techniques used, the different approaches and mainly in present in the 21st century the richness and beauty of a forgotten art.
Photo : nationalgallery.org.uk
June 2007
