A group of windows depicting
many important Biblical characters. The central bottom three are Isaach, Adam
and Joseph.
The windows depict and show various things; important
historical events and figures such as Thomas Beckett and St Dunstan; biblical
scenes like Lot's family fleeing Sodom and even indications to what life was
like and general knowledge and attitudes of the time. This can be shown by the
hairstyles, clothing, building shapes etc.
Many of the windows and / or sequences of windows have their own specific
theme such as the 'Redemption Window', row 3 of which focusses on resurrection.
This series contains Noah releasing the dove from the Ark after 40 days of
floating after the flood. The dove returns with an olive leaf signifying the
return of dry land to the world. The central panel shows Jesus emerging from a
tomb, heralded by angels either side signifying his resurrection. The final
image, on the far right of the window depicts Michal helping her husband escape
from Saul (1 Samuel 19:8-18)
Not all of the windows recount passages through a single
pane. The Becket Miracle windows (in the northern aisle of the Trinity Chapel) show
many series of images. One of these series tells the tale of the plague in the
house of Sir Jordan Fitz-Eisulf. Through these conjoined panes we get a feel of
the entire tale of the suffering of Jordan’s family and the compounding and
worsening attributing factors.[1]
Despite the
sombre tone of many of these windows, one cannot help but be moved by the
beauty of each of the windows and impressed by the intricacy that the artists
manage to achieve in their creation.
The modern windows are as aesthetically striking as they are
ancient. From the image of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and their children
at the Queen's coronation to Christopher Whall's window of Uriel the
light-bringer, there is a range of different styles, colours, tones and
purposes in these newer windows.
The above pieces display a more realistic, almost
photographic approach to character depiction, emphasising the pale skin that so
drew Pope Gregory the Great to the English people. The below piece, by Harry
Stammers, shows a markedly different, more colourful style:
In my opinion the most outstanding pieces are those done by Ervin Bossanyi.
His works are based on the theme of peace:
The use of colour in this window is truly spectacular and
there is something akin to a modern animation production in Bossanyi’s character
depiction. It is a remarkably beautiful and intricate piece.
The stained glass windows at Canterbury Cathedral improve
and complete what can already easily be regarded as a masterpiece of a
building. They are a truly stunning testament to Christian history,
Christianity’s impact on art and English culture.
Neil Salvesen is currently completing his RPE degree, and spending a lot of time in Canterbury
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