Geometric Grisaille

Image credit: The Stained Glass Museum

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Despite its great age, this thirteenth century unpainted panel not only still has most of its original medieval glass, but also most of its original lead. The rough surface of the lead, cast in moulds, has been planed, giving it a distinctive facetted appearance. The glass is unpainted and therefore relies on the pattern of the leads for its decorative effect. The clear glass is lightly tinted as a result of the impurities in the raw materials that were used to make it. This kind of simple glazing, known as grisaille, is often associated with Cistercian churches, in which it expressed the simplicity of the Cistercian monastic ideal. It was also popular wherever a higher level of light or a cheaper form of glazing was requested.

The Stained Glass Museum

Ely

Title

Geometric Grisaille

Date

c.1200

Medium

stained glass

Measurements

H 82 x W 32 cm

Accession number

ELYGM:1990.4

Acquisition method

purchased, 2005

Work type

Stained glass

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Normally on display at

The Stained Glass Museum

South Triforium Ely Cathedral, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4DL England

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