Half-circle stained glass window 1927

This stained glass window was made by Jacob "Jack" in the early to mid-20th century. It's composed of many pieces of colored glass, held together by lead cames, the slender metal strips you see outlining each shape. The colors themselves are achieved through a fascinating alchemy. Minerals are added to molten glass, creating the vibrant hues, and skilled glassworkers then cut and arrange these pieces according to the artist's design. Note the combination of geometric and organic forms, and the carefully chosen palette that allows light to filter through, creating a luminous effect. Stained glass is a medium with deep historical roots, traditionally associated with religious spaces. The labor-intensive process reflects a commitment to craft, a contrast to more mass-produced forms of art. The window speaks to both artistic skill, and its important social and religious context.