American Stained Glass Superiority in the Gilded Age Part 1

There is a longstanding tradition of stained glass making in Europe which dates back to the fifth

century. Thousands of windows were assembled by stained glass guilds who built magnificent commissions for churches and cathedrals across Europe. During the Gilded Age, however, American artists such as Louis Comfort Tiffany and John La Farge revolutionized stained glass as an art form. Their innovative practices elevated stained glass to an entirely new level. During this industrious period, many American artists produced exceptional work that surpassed their European predecessors in technique and variety. Our first exhibit, American Stained Glass Masters, will highlight…

• The differences between European techniques and American techniques for stained glass making

• Americans’ method of painting with glass, rather than painting on the glass

• Scientific advancements and chemical processes that allowed for the production of dazzling glass textures and colors

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European vs American Stained Glass Windows

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