Windows of GRACE

Kathryn Brewer Project Manager Let there be light. (Genesis 1:3) Artists of the A brief history of and Grace windows the installation at Grace Lutheran Church he sanctuary windows at Grace Stained glass history Lutheran Church, River Forest, Ill., The history of colored glass dates back are a fine example of the Gothic TT to Egyptian and Roman times. The first Revival style, created by artist Charles known use of stained glass is in Roman Connick, whose primary goal was to villas and palaces in the first century A.D. restore the tradition of using the highest There are windows in early Christian quality colored glass possible to create churches of the fourth and fifth centuries windows with an intangible spiritual I with patterns of thinly sliced alabaster giv - The Rose was produced depth. As such, the glass, color and image ing a stained glass effect. The earliest by Charles J. Connick, Jr. composition are based on the early Gothic known example of pictorial stained glass I The Jesse Tree Windows in the church window tradition as established at is a tenth century head of Christ excavated narthex over the Bonnie Brae Chartres Cathedral and the St. Denis from Lorsch Abbey in Germany. entrance doors were produced by Abbey, both located near Paris. Grace’s The idea of stained glass windows as Alfonso Iannelli. windows have a strong narrative plan, a we know them today sprang from the feature of windows in the late Gothic I All other windows were produced illuminated mind of Abbott Suger period. The style of the imagery is more by the T.C. Esser Studios, (Soo-ZHAR) of the St. Denis Abbey, locat - modern to complement the Art Deco lines Milwaukee, Wis., most under the ed north of Paris. Suger’s vision was a of Grace’s architecture. Grace’s windows reflect the direction of Erhardt Stoettner. The church building with expansive windows This exceptional set Art Deco design influences of Last Judgment windows were Grace is truly blessed with an inspir - and colored glass to bathe the interior of stained glass windows its Gothic Revival building. designed by Gerard Recke. ing set of stained glass windows rich with uninterrupted heavenly light. Suger that inspires generations with story, color and luminosity. associated the penetration of light through Early Gothic stained glass is of members and visitors church windows with the presence of God generally characterized by a deep blue As art of Gothic windows matured, was possible through three strokes of in the church. background, an artistic tradition estab - monks became interested in strong narra - blessing. Pastor Otto Geiseman had a clear The St. Denis Abbey, Suger’s visionary lished early at the Chartres cathedral and tive themes for their monastery churches. narrative plan. A fine studio in nearby church consecrated in 1144, was the imitated widely in early Gothic windows. These narrative themes set the context for Milwaukee was available to create the prototype for all , The aesthetic of early glass makers was to their daily worship and prayer in the windows, along with a studio in Park where stained glass is part of the overall create luminous colors and jewel-like chancel (or “choir”) of their monastery Ridge, Ill., run by a famous designer, who design of the building rather than a brilliance to mimic the rich colors of church. They were literally bathed in the made the narthex windows. And the fanciful add-on. In this context, the gemstones. light of the themes and people significant financial resources were available at the purpose of stained glass windows is to In early stained glass, there was no to their tradition. right time. Grace is truly blessed with an serve the architecture by controlling light. attempt to imitate painting or sculpture. As the preaching orders proliferated in inspiring set of stained glass windows rich It was a completely new art. The art of the the early 13th century — the Dominicans, with story, color and luminosity. Stained glass is part of the overall glass was as important — or perhaps more Franciscans and Cistercians — monastic design of the building... the purpose important — than the art of the image. window designs transformed from repre - of stained glass windows is to serve sentational imagery to complex abstract the architecture by controlling light. Narratives in glass forms conducive to deep meditation. Meanwhile, narrative themes became pop - Early window images were usually ular in cathedral and parish churches. The art of stained glass dominated by saints, patriarchs, mon - Stained glass dominated image making While all other visual arts are perceived archs, bishops, Jesus and Mary, and were for four centuries and is the major form of through reflected light, in stained glass, interspersed with biblical narrative. pictorial art to have survived. In the light is the art. Images and scenes However, early Gothic artists and design - Middle Ages and beyond, stained glass literally and symbolically shed light on ers were more interested in the expressive images and church sculpture were some - our relationship with our Lord and force of the ensemble than in organized times the only images many people would creator. narrative themes. see in their lifetimes.

8 Written by Mark Brewer. 9 Stoettner’s window designs follow the One piece of glass with three different thematic direction of the Rev. Otto colors is created using flashing. Bottom layer: clear glass. Middle layer: Geiseman and faithfully follow yellow and light brown flashed glass. Connick’s Gothic Revival style, particu - Top layer: black enamel detail. larly in the deep blue backgrounds.

Gothic revival was developed to create yellow or orange shades. The The popularity and quality of stained stain was applied and fired glass ebbed and flowed over the centuries. onto the glass, and could be In the early 20th century, the innovative Bonnie Brae entrance and the doors to the applied in multiple layers. art glass of Louis Comfort Tiffany and sanctuary were created by the Alfonso Another technique used John LaFarge initiated a stained glass Ianelli Studio of Park Ridge, Ill. These is called “flashing” where a revival. This was the “opalescent era” and windows are made with translucent and thin sheet of colored glass is their style of pictorial art, rendered in clear glass and are most certainly in their laminated onto a clear or opaque glass, was widely copied. own category stylistically. tinted sheet. As far as can be However, not everyone was impressed. Stoettner’s window designs follow the determined, all of the glass in Architect Ralph Adams Cram, collaborat - thematic direction of Otto Geiseman — Grace’s Connick and Esser : ing with artist Charles Connick, created a Grace’s pastor at the time of the develop - windows are pot metal glass, Gothic Revival architectural movement Charles Connick ment of the church windows — and and there are many instances The Rose window (or wheel (also called Neo-Gothic) that included a faithfully follow Connick’s Gothic Revival of flashed glass use. window) above the chancel is by the revival of early Gothic stained glass art in style, particularly in the deep blue back - The glass itself is made Connick studio of Boston. Charles J. direct response and opposition to what grounds. The black trace lines are an from sand and ash — or more Connick has been called the greatest Connick called “the abysmal depth of elegant counterpoint to the Art Deco lines technically, from silica, potash American stained glass artist of the 20th opalescent picture windows.” 1 of the church interior, as designed by the and lime. The glassmaker century and is the father of the Gothic The Grace Lutheran Church sanctuary architectural firm of Tallmadge and melts the ingredients in a cru - Revival stained glass window aesthetic. windows are a product of the Gothic Watson. The keen observer will also notice cible, adding the appropriate Stylistic cues of Connick Revival movement. Just as medieval the quality of the glass, which hearkens metal oxide for color, and windows include use of blue as the windows were integral to the architectural back to the early Gothic aesthetic of deep, uses a blow tube to create a central color and the use of glass of fabric of their host building, Grace’s gem-like colors. For many people, the cylinder of semi-molten glass. uniform thickness and color. He windows reflect the Art Deco design story content of Grace’s windows is The maker then cuts off the emphasized that the purpose of stained influences of its Gothic Revival building. secondary to the impact and draw of the ends of the cylinder and glass is to serve the architecture, and The rose window above the altar was rich colors. scores the resulting tube from rather bluntly rejected the highly created by the Charles Connick studio top to bottom. The glass is representational “opalescent picture of Boston. But the Gothic Revival style is then flattened into a sheet windows” of Tiffany, LaFarge and their most expressive in the other sanctuary What is stained glass? usually about 14” x 24” and is followers. Connick preferred to use windows, created by Erhard Stoettner of The process of making stained glass cooled or “annealed” in a clear antique-style glass of the Gothic the T.C. Esser Studio in Milwaukee. In has changed little since the 12th century. controlled environment to period calling it “colored radiance, with contrast, the narthex windows over the Interestingly, most “stained glass” is not yield the properties desired by the luster, intensity, and baffling vibrant stained. Color is created by adding metal the glassmaker. quality of dancing lights.” oxides while the glass is molten in the Connick designed and produced the pot. This type of glass is called “pot metal rose windows of the Cathedrals of glass,” which is prized for its clarity and Right, top to bottom: A cylinder of glass St. Patrick and St. John the Divine in brilliance. Copper oxides produce green or is blown. This will be cut to lie flat. New York City, and windows in the bluish green. Cobalt makes deep blue. A glass cutter is used to score glass so Princeton University Chapel. Gold produces wine red and violet. it breaks precisely where it is drawn. Other Oak Park-River Forest Manganese produces amethyst. Sulfur and Glass pliers are used to break installations of Connick windows iron salts produce amber glass ranging glass along the scored lines. from yellowish to almost black. The way include Grace Episcopal Church, First Lead cames form the Baptist Church and the First United the glass is heated and cooled can framework for the glass. significantly affect the final shade. Church chapel. The final cut pieces of glass are In the 14th century, a silver-based stain assembled with the lead came. Above photos © iStockphotos/schmidt-z, ezza116, BartCo, whitemay, kali9 10 11 The window is assembled piece by piece with lead came to hold the pieces together. The lead joints are soldered together and linseed oil putty Stained glass windows is applied to seal the gaps between the lead and the glass, adding strength and waterproofing. by Erhardt Stoettner The lines produced by the lead are part of the window’s design. Most of the windows at Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest, Illinois, Grace’s window legacy were designed and built by the T.C. Esser Drawing on the tradition of timeless Studios, Milwaukee, Wis., under the biblical themes and the enduring tradi - direction of master craftsman Erhardt tions of Gothic art and architecture, the Stoettner. Grace Lutheran Church windows speak to us on many levels: spiritually, artistically, Cathedral of St. John Other churches with windows the Evangelist, intellectually. designed by Erhardt Stoettner: Milwaukee, Wisconsin The timing was ripe for Grace Lutheran Details of faces, hair, hands, clothing and drapery are Church to commission and install its Drawing on the Cathedral of St. John applied onto the inner surface of the glass using an enamel paint made of finely ground iron filings, ground remarkable windows. The Gothic Revival tradition of the Evangelist, glass and a binder such as wine or vinegar, and fired The final window or window section is style was firmly established. The glass and timeless biblical Milwaukee, Wisconsin in a kiln. The trace lines in Grace’s windows are black assembled piece by piece with lead “came” artisans to create great works of emotional themes and St. Peter in Chains enamel, consistent with the Gothic Revival aesthetic. to hold the pieces together. The lead joints beauty were in place and available. The the enduring Cathedral, are soldered together and linseed oil putty congregation put its resources firmly Cincinnati, Ohio The glass for Grace’s Connick and is applied to seal the gaps between the behind the effort to see it through to suc - traditions of Esser windows was most likely made in lead and the glass, adding strength and cessful completion. Through their legacy, Gothic art and St. Bernard Church, England. English glassmakers were known waterproofing. The lines produced by the the light of God in story, color and art Fort Wayne, Indiana architecture, the lead are part of the window’s design and continues to filter through to illumine our for exceptionally clear, high-quality glass Grace Lutheran St. Helen Church, with vibrant colors, which was not prevent the colors from blending together hearts and minds, and we are so very Chicago, Illinois available in the United States at the time. when viewed from a distance. thankful for it. Church windows Multiple window panels are then speak to us on St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, The glass for Grace’s Connick and Esser placed into an iron or zinc frame called an Endnote Effingham, Illinois many levels. windows was most likely made in armature. The final construction is then “Louis Comfort Tiffany,” The Charles Hosmer installed into the church wall. Morse Museum of American Art, Winter Park, Mount St. Scholastica Chapel, England. Fla. Retrieved Aug. 26, 2013. Format: Website. Atchison, Kansas www.morsemuseum.org/louis-comfort-tiffany Peace Lutheran Church, Creating a stained glass Oshkosh, Wisconsin window Sources and further reading about Helen F. Mackenzie. “Stained Glass Process stained glass Cases,” Bulletin of the Art Institute of Chicago; St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Window designs are based on ideas Vol. 27, No. 2, Feb. 1933, pp. 40-41. The Grand Rapids, Michigan and themes provided by the client and Art Institute of Chicago. Retrieved Aug. 26, Charles J. Connick. Adventures in Light and executed in a sketch by an artist. After 2013. Format: PDF. www.jstor.org/sta - Lake Park Lutheran Church, Color. New York: Random House, 1937. ble/4103944 the client approves the design, a full-size Milwaukee, Wisconsin Louis Grodecki. Gothic Stained Glass. Cornell cartoon is created for each window. Bulletin of the City Art Museum of St. Louis. St. University Press, 1985. Louis Art Museum, January 1921, pp 1-6. Norway Lutheran Church, Drawing from the studio’s inventory of Lawrence Lee. Stained Glass. Oxford University Retrieved Aug. 26, 2013. Format: PDF. Milwaukee, Wisconsin fine glass, an artisan cuts the glass and Press, 1967. www.jstor.org/stable/40714152 places each piece on the cartoon. The arti - Lake Park Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Virginia Chieffo Raguin. Stained Glass: From its David J. Stanley. “The Original Buttressing of san then traces the details of faces, hair, Origins to the Present. New York: H.N. Abbott Suger's Chevet at the Abbey of hands, clothing and drapery onto the Abrams, 2003. Saint-Denis.” University of California Press on inner surface of the glass using an enamel behalf of the Society of Architectural Historians, Elizabeth (Aislin) Reynolds. “The Development Sept. 2006; Vol. 65, No. 3, pp. 334-355. paint. The artisan makes the paint using of Stained Glass in Gothic Cathedrals,” Format: PDF. Retrieved Aug. 26, 2013. finely ground iron filings, ground glass JCCC Honors Journal, Vol. 4, #1; Fall 2012. http://www.jstor.org/stable/25068292 Johnson County Community College, and a binder such as wine or vinegar. The 2013. Retrieved Aug. 16, 2013. Format: “Stained Glass.” Wikipedia. Retrieved Aug. 26, trace lines create outlines and solid areas. PDF. Scholarspace.jccc.edu/honors_ 2013. Format: Web.www.en.wikipedia.org/ The paint is applied and fired in a kiln. journal/vol4/iss1/3 wiki/Stained_glass The trace lines in Grace’s windows are “Abbott Suger.” Wikipedia. Retrieved Aug. 26, black enamel, consistent with the Gothic 2013. Format: Web. www.en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Abbott_Suger Revival aesthetic. 13