French Stained Glass before 1603
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Glasgow Museums has a collection of over 100 French stained glass pieces dating from the 1140s to approximately 1600, including some very fine and internationally important examples. The size of these glass pieces varies from small individual panels depicting single subjects to sets of related panels that assemble into majestic full-scale series of church windows. There are few items of such age and quality in museum collections as the panel of The Prophet Jeremiah. Originating from the mid twelfth century glazing scheme of the Abbey Church of St-Denis, this panel is the most ancient piece in the collection and a rare example of the very earliest Gothic glass. Executed a century later, three panels depicting a feast scene, understood to have been removed from Cathedral at Clemont-Ferrand, France, compare well with the near contemporary glass erected in the royally commissioned Sainte-Chapelle, Paris. Amongst the largest French panels are those thought to have originated in early sixteenth century Rouen, depicting the Tree of Jesse, The Life of St John the Baptists, and the Life of St John the Evangelist. These beautiful examples exemplify the artistic possibilities of the period, with their subtlety painted figures and convincing use of perspective.
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