7 of the Most Splendid Stained Glass Windows in the World 세계 최고의 스테인글라스 윈도우
7 of the Most Splendid Stained Glass Windows in the World
By Kelly Richman-Abdou on May 4, 2018
세계 최고의 스테인글라스 윈도우
Exquisitely crafted and effortlessly ethereal, stained glass windows have been prevalent in places of worship for centuries. Though often associated with Gothic cathedrals, the colorful panes can be found in a wide array of religious sites, from mesmerizing mosques to modern churches.
Here, we take a tour of some of the most fantastic famous stained glass windows across the globe, from medieval masterpieces to contemporary creations. While the dazzling pieces drastically range in scale and style, each one possesses the ability to transform an earthly site into a transcendent kaleidoscope of colors.
Sainte-Chapelle
Described as the “jewel of the Rayonnant Gothic period,” Paris' stunning Sainte-Chapelle was built in the 13th century by King Louis IX. Initially intended to house precious relics, Sainte-Chapelle is particularly renowned for its collection of 15 windows. Measuring nearly 50 feet in height, each monumental window depicts a sparkling interpretation of a biblical scene rendered in gem-like tones and impressive detail. In addition to these vertical masterpieces, the medieval chapel is also celebrated for the rich tracery and kaleidoscopic colors of its rose window.
Interiors of the Sainte-Chapelle (Photo: wjarek via Shutterstock Royalty-free stock photo)
The Sainte Chapelle Holy Chapel in Paris, France (Photo: Gilmanshin via Shutterstock Royalty-free stock photo)
King’s College Chapel
Throughout the late 15th and early 16th centuries, a beautiful Gothic chapel was erected in the University of Cambridge's King's College. In addition to mesmerizing fan vaulting and a painting by Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens, King's College Chapel is famous for its treasure trove of narrative windows. The iconography featured in the splendid panes incorporates both religious and royal motifs and illustrates the artistic advancements of England's late Gothic period.
Photo: DeFacto via Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, a 19th-century place of worship in Shiraz, Iran, is a breathtaking example of Islamic architecture. Featuring a façade decorated with a row of ornamental stained glass windows, the “Pink Mosque” offers worshippers a sunlit spectacle every day at dawn: as the morning light shines through the panes, it illuminates the interior's rose-colored tiles and patterned Persian carpet with an enchanting array of vivid colors.
The Pink Mosque (Photo: OPIS Zagreb via https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/shiraz-iran-may-2-2015-atmosphere-317045063 Royalty-free stock photo)
