Painton Cowen
Author of Rose Windows
About the Author
Painton Cowen is an Honorary Research Associate at the Centre for Medieval Studies, University of York.
Works by Painton Cowen
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English Stained Glass by Painton Cowen
An amazing book that surveys medieval glass from all around England. The full-color images are spectacular and really give you a sense of the different styles in creation and restoration across English counties and through the centuries. Also included at the beginning are helpful sections on how the glass was designed and made, how it is conserved, common motifs, and other scenes and symbols to look out for.
Link to my 'Mostly NF' blog review to read and comment OR read the text right here:
I'll try to keep this blog post short because The Rose Window is what my coworker calls a "look book" -- a feast for the eyes. Words are secondary.
With large, full-page color photos, Painton Cowen offers a gallery of beautiful artwork made with glass and sunlight. Overcoming all the engineering difficulties inherent in stone cathedral construction, medieval craftsmen managed to arrange brilliant, colored glass in remarkably complex circular patterns. They practiced graphic design before anyone knew the term. The images are breath-taking even for those of us in the over-stimulated twenty-first century.
Standing within the monumental cathedrals of Europe, worshippers in the middle ages were treated to vibrant displays of color. The 45-foot circular windows at Chartres, or those at Notre Dame are truly dazzling instruments of light. The two-page spread of the north transept at St Denis is my favorite. There is so much glass in the walls I can't help but wonder what supports the roof.
The author presents an interesting contrast with many of the windows. He shows a cathedral's stony facade from the outside where the muted glass goes unnoticed against bright masony. Then you see the darkened interior where the only light able to penetrate the walls shines through that same window in bright colors. You know the walls exist only because, in places, there's an absence of light and color.
If you venture into the text -- there are words, too -- Cowen tells the evolution of rose windows from the primitive sixth century oculus and small wheel windows to the magnificent circular windows with complex patterns. He explains their meaning and expounds on the rose window's form, style, and geometry. But, again, the text plays second fiddle. The spectacular display of color will hold your attention.
If you have ever seen a rose window -- medieval or modern, in person or in this book -- please click "Add comment" below. I'd be interested to read your impressions.
Find more of my reviews at Mostly NF.… (more)
I'll try to keep this blog post short because The Rose Window is what my coworker calls a "look book" -- a feast for the eyes. Words are secondary.
With large, full-page color photos, Painton Cowen offers a gallery of beautiful artwork made with glass and sunlight. Overcoming all the engineering difficulties inherent in stone cathedral construction, medieval craftsmen managed to arrange brilliant, colored glass in remarkably complex circular patterns. They practiced graphic design before anyone knew the term. The images are breath-taking even for those of us in the over-stimulated twenty-first century.
Standing within the monumental cathedrals of Europe, worshippers in the middle ages were treated to vibrant displays of color. The 45-foot circular windows at Chartres, or those at Notre Dame are truly dazzling instruments of light. The two-page spread of the north transept at St Denis is my favorite. There is so much glass in the walls I can't help but wonder what supports the roof.
The author presents an interesting contrast with many of the windows. He shows a cathedral's stony facade from the outside where the muted glass goes unnoticed against bright masony. Then you see the darkened interior where the only light able to penetrate the walls shines through that same window in bright colors. You know the walls exist only because, in places, there's an absence of light and color.
If you venture into the text -- there are words, too -- Cowen tells the evolution of rose windows from the primitive sixth century oculus and small wheel windows to the magnificent circular windows with complex patterns. He explains their meaning and expounds on the rose window's form, style, and geometry. But, again, the text plays second fiddle. The spectacular display of color will hold your attention.
If you have ever seen a rose window -- medieval or modern, in person or in this book -- please click "Add comment" below. I'd be interested to read your impressions.
Find more of my reviews at Mostly NF.… (more)
Ravishing pictures of a forgotten and wonderful corner of ecclesiastical art.
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- Rating
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