11 th CENTURY

Head of Christ 11 th century This is the only known example of stained glass from the 11 th century. It was originally in the Abbey church of Wissembourg at Alsace. It now is in the Musee de l’ Oeuvre Notre Dame in Strasbourg. The piece already shows a high degree of development in stained glass art. Note the use of “three shades of color” in the painting as detailed by Theophilus in his 12 th century treatise called “On Divers Arts”- the earliest written description we have on stained glass techniques…. Click here for enlargement

12 th CENTURY

Augsburg I 1100 These figures and those in the next image represent some of the earliest examples of in situ stained glass. These are only two of the 22 figures that were glazed in the high nave south side of Augsburg Cathedral. The figure on the left is Jonah. The other figure is a 16th century copy of Moses. Click here for enlargement

Augsburg II 1100 These two additional figures from the Augsburg Cathedral high nave windows are of Daniel (left figure) and Hosea. The figure elongation, frontal pose, and abstract qualities are typical of the Romanesque style. Click here for enlargement

Mouth of Hell 1100 This piece can be found in the nave clerestory at Yorkminster Cathedral in York, England.

Virgin and Child 1125 This stained glass piece is located in the abbot church of La Trinite in Vendome. Here the Virgin is represented in a much more aloof context than later century images will portray her.

Ascension 1140 The Apostles and the Virgin witness the Ascension of Christ. This piece is in Le Mans Cathedral and is one of the earliest examples of French stained glass. Click here for enlargement

Burning Bush 1150 Most 12th century artists have remained anonymous. But in this panel of God (crucified halo figure) speaking to Moses, the artist Gerlachus portrays himself at the bottom and the inscription asks for God to be gracious in granting the gift of light to the artist. Moses crook turns symbolically into a serpent demonstrating the divine presence of God. Click here for enlargement

Infancy of Christ 1145 This is one of the most extensive narrative cycles found from this century. It is on the west wall of Chartres Cathedral. Note the alternating compartment pattern. Click here for enlargement

The Law & the Prophets 1178 This is England's oldest surviving Rose window. It can be found in the northeast transept at Canterbury Cathedral. The outer ring is modern but the central circle is from the 12th century. Beneath the arches in the piece are Moses and a blindfolded figure representing the synagogue. The books they hold represent the symbols of Law. The four outer women represent the four virtues with their emblems. Click here for enlargement

Annunciation 1140 From the Cathedral of Saint- Denis, axial chapel comes this piece that depicts scenes from the childhood of Christ. Here the donor, Abbot Suger, is seen at the feet of the Virgin. Click here for enlargement Click here for detail

Life of Moses From the Cathedral of Saint- Denis, the radiating north chapel, are panels depicting events in the life of Moses. The upper scene is the burning bush and the lower shows Moses saved from the waters. Click here for detail

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