King Cormac of Cashel as Bishop, Warrior and Scribe. St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin (detail) 1906

This detail of a stained-glass window in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, showing King Cormac of Cashel, was made by Sarah Purser, though we don't know exactly when. I'm struck by the way the artist uses line to construct the forms. It's not just about outlining shapes; the lines themselves have a weight and presence. They become part of the narrative. Look at the way the lead wraps around the figures and their faces. It's not precise, but it’s so full of character. And notice how the palette is mostly cool jewel tones, with these flashes of orange that add a zing, like a chord change in a song. The artist has captured a real sense of depth, even though it's a flat surface. It reminds me a little of some of the Pre-Raphaelites, like Burne-Jones, but somehow more grounded. It’s a reminder that art is always in conversation, always building on what came before. It’s about taking the old and making it new.