What a Wondrous Flowering
West European Stained Glass and Drawings from the 15th to 17th centuries in the State Hermitage collection
27 November 2002 - June, 2003

The centerpieces of the exhibition in Room No. 271 are works originating from German and Swiss schools which make up the core of the Hermitage collection.

Gothic traditions lingered especially long in German stained glass. However, in the early 16th century Albrecht Duerer and Hans Holbein the Younger introduced the Renaissance style. One of the earliest exhibits is the German stained glass of the first half of the 15th century showing St. George. This Saint became especially popular in German art from the 13th century, his popularity rivaling that of the Virgin. The stained glass design is simple and austere in the best Gothic tradition. The studios of Veit Hirschvogel and Michael Wogelmuth in Nuremberg are represented by the compositions Susanna and the Elders, St. Anna, the Virgin and Infant Christ (ca. 1500) and St. Nicholas Blessing the Mariners (ca. 1500).

The 16th century was an important milestone in the history of stained glass which started to decorate private and public interiors as well as cathedrals and chapels. Switzerland became the leader in this art. Showing pictures of the country's contemporary life alongside scenes from the Old and New Testaments, Swiss stained glass is a valuable historical source. One of its themes was the supply by Switzerland of freelance soldiers to other countries. Stained glass compositions show the condition of the Swiss army and its weapons and symbols. Another important theme was marital ceremonies. The Hermitage has an imminently interesting collection of Swiss stained glass including Coats-of-Arms of Hieronymus Spengler, Fortune with Shield of Nichlaus Wirth von Wiel and Standard Bearer from Lewenthal of Karl von Egeri's school made to the design of Hans Holbein the Younger.

The exhibition shows remarkable stained glass pieces created in France and the Netherlands. In the age of Renaissance these countries had major stained glass production centers. Among the excellent religious compositions of French and Dutch masters are Jacob and Rachel (the Netherlands, middle of the 16th century), Abraham's Covenant with God (the Netherlands, ca. 1532) and St. Barbara (France, ca. 1508-1510).

The show also includes stained glass designs, both for private interiors and cathedrals.

The masterpiece of the Hermitage collection is Albrecht Duerer's sketch for the stained glass Virgin with Child, the only extant fragment of 32 compositions this master designed for a church in Nuremberg.

St.Barbara
Early 16th century
Larger view

Coats-of-arms
1626
Larger view

Fortune the Sield-bearer
1578
Larger view

Saint Anne, Saint Mary and the Christ Child
C.1500
Larger view

The Virgin and Child
Fragment of a Cartoon for a Stained Glass in the Church of St.Sebald
Albrecht Duerer
Larger view