We are mostly curious about how this would work. My boyfriend thinks the detailed hands and faces are not typical of stained glass, but I disagree. What say you?
Great question! This work illustrates Lamb's unique method of "double-painted" flesh areas, which involved painting two plates of different types of glass with separate colors of enamel that shine through each other for a rich, lifelike effect. This was definitely his style that has a very painterly quality unlike many older stained glass works that each pane of glass was one color.
That window was created by Lamb Studios, one of the major stained-glass firms in late 19th-early 20th century America, a contemporary of Tiffany Studios.
Can you translate this?
This says: "I have sent my angels to render testimony."
This window shows "Religion" personified in the center, with the archangels, Michael and Gabriel, on either side. This window was commissioned by the United States government for the Central U.S. Pavilion in the 1900 Exposition Universelle Internationale in Paris.
My father told me the window won two awards. Which ones?
The window won 2 medals at the Exposition Universelle Internationale: one for the execution and one for the design.
Wow!
You're looking at a beautiful stained glass Window by Lamb Studios entitled 'Religion Enthroned' Commissioned for the 1900 Exposition Universalle in Paris. There are many complicated and advanced glass techniques the artists used here. Would you like to talk about a few of them?
Sure!
If you look at the faces and the feet you'll notice an amazing amount of detail. This is called "double-painted" flesh areas, which involved painting two plates of different types of glass with separate colors of vitreous enamel that shine through each other for a rich, lifelike effect.
It's easy to notice in the feet, since its so close to eye level. There's also a technique used in the robes known as 'draping glass' where a sheet of molten glass is manipulated while being poured to appear like fabric. You can see in the robes of the angels.
This work was designed to impress a viewer with the talent and virtuosity of the studio. Are there any details about this work that catch your eye?
How the central figure seems illuminated more than the background.
Lamb Studios was well known for their use of opalescent stained glass. Where multiple colors were blended together to give greater depth and color sensations in one solid piece of glass. I believe the glass near the central figure is less concentrated with colors so lets more light pass through.
If you look across the way from the Lamb Stained glass you'll see an example of opalescent stained glass by Tiffany. You can really sense many different colors in one piece of glass.
How is this made?
Lamb Studios used many different stained glass techniques to create this show piece to represent the United States at the 1900 Exposition Universelle Internationale in Paris. Cast glass, reverse painting, and new technological advancements such as opalescent glass were methods used in the construction of this window.
The faces showcase the new method of "double-painted" glass, which involved painting two different plates of glass with separate colors of vitreous enamel that shine through each other for a rich, lifelike effect.
Opalescent stained glass can be seen throughout the window. The rich colors, sinuous forms within each piece of glass, and the pearly sheen of the surface are all thanks to this technique. It is created by mixing molten glasses of different colors in a very technically precise way. The iridescence is achieved with the addition of metal dust to the surface of the molten glass.
I hope that helps illuminate this windows a bit more for you!
The faces are painted on to the glass?
Yes, the are! The artist used a unique method to "double-paint" the flesh areas. He would paint two plates of different types of glass with separate colors of enamel that shine through each other to create a rich, lifelike effect.
We’re looking at the stained glass on the fourth floor and loving this technique the label states got improved in this period: the opalescent glass. It’s so impressive how they can blend all these colors in the same piece of glass! Do you know any more about how they made the opalescent pieces?
The "opalescent" glass was made by mixing different colors of glass together when they were in their molten state. The glass had been colored with minerals and engineered by chemists. In some objects silver nitrate was added to the surface. They achieved such beautiful effects! Tiffany hired many talented glassworkers to work in his studio in Queens, NY. You might be interested to know that many of the designers who worked for Tiffany Studios were women.
What religion is this, and who are the people?
The woman seated at the center represent the Christian Church or "L'Eglise," as it is referred to in the window in French.
The man on the left represents the Archangel Michael, who embodies the Militant Church. The man on the right represent the Archangel Gabriel, who embodies the Triumphant Church.
How can you tell it's Christian?
There are a few ways we know. The simplest is that we know the intention of the people who designed it was to make it Christian based on their records at the time. There are also clues when looking at the window itself:
The text at the bottom, in French, quotes a line from the Book of Revelations, from the New Testament: "I have sent my angels to render testimony." Also note that, in 1900, when Europeans and European-Americans said "The Church," they generally meant the Christian Church.
What is the history of stained glass windows? Did they start in church? Nowadays we still see them around.
Stained glass windows were invented during the Gothic Period, the 12th to early 15th century, and reached its height in 14th century France. It lost popularity by the 17th century, but was revived during the Gothic revival period in the early 19th century.
Stained glass, like other forms of art, could communicate stories, particularly religious stories, to the illiterate masses, so they were favored by churches, yes.
Back when this artform was first developed only large churches and very wealthy people would have been able to afford them.
Dime más.
Esta ventana muestra "Religión" personificada en el centro, con los arcángeles, Miguel y Gabriel, a cada lado.Esta ventana fue encargada por el gobierno de los Estados Unidos para el Pabellón Central de los Estados Unidos en la Exposición Universal de 1900 en París.
Is this picture considered Gothic?
No, this work is American and was made in 1900. I see why you might think its Gothic, as it does include elements of Gothic Revival style. Gothic Revival design emphasized vertical lines, intricate detail, tracery, and pointed arches seen originally in France beginning in 1100.
How do you put in the faces on the glass?
The faces and other details were painted onto the back of the glass to create a greater illusion of depth.
The combining of painting and chemical coloring of class was an innovation of Lamb Studios.
Hi! Why would the US government pay for a picture about religion enthroned?
It was commissioned for a world's fair where different countries were provided the opportunity to showcase achievements in art and design among other things. Lamb Studios was one of the foremost stained glass makers in the US at the time (1900s).
Right - but why take a religious subject, given separation of church and state? Why would the government be ok funding that subject?
Stained glass is most commonly found in churches and cathedrals, so it's not surprising that at that time the subject for a stained glass piece would be religious. It's not clear if the subject matter was decided by the government or the studio itself. I wouldn't be surprised if the studio was granted creative liberty when it came to the subject matter.
Ah - that makes sense. Thank you.
We were wondering why Religion is presented as female in the piece - any insight?
Hi! Why would the US govt pay for a picture about religion enthroned?
While I'm not finding any specific information on this choice, my best guess is that in the composition of this work the designer is pulling from Gothic and Renaissance traditions in which seated, enthroned figures are most often women, namely the Virgin Mary.
