SOLD GENUINE 15" Early Medieval French Stained Glass Rondel, c.1200 AD!

Glass : Antique : Art : Medeival/Stained Glass

 

Dating to ca. 1150-1250 AD, I am thrilled to offer this museum-quality, early medieval French stained glass window rondel for the consideration of my Ruby Lane clientele! This astounding work of the Gothic glazier's art has been a much-admired example from my private collection for over two years, but I have reluctantly decided to "de-access" it from my collection to help pay for new stock.

This rare rondel was purchased out of a very wealthy New Orleans estate in 2003, and had been brought from France by a family member of the previous owner several generations ago. The rondel had been last mounted in a home chapel, and is perfect for display in a lighted cabinet or a small window in your home!

This wonderful example of early French medieval stained glass depicts a scene from the Old Testament, "Joseph and his Brothers." Joseph is depicted as a wise, bearded elder, dressed in red and blue robes, and holding a staff. Three of his brothers stand to the right, with expressions of supplication on their faces. One of the brothers holds the hem of Joseph's cloak, as if begging his brother for forgiveness.

This window would have been the center rondel to a larger window, and mounted into an early Gothic-period Church window. This window is bright and colorful, and the grouping of four figures is especially rare. Best of all, this window has survived over 800+ years with ALL of its panes and leading intact! No panels are cracked, nor are there any losses.

The window is fired in shades of red, blue, violet, orange, iron yellow and teal green, and the faces and details are painted in black enamel, as was typical of stained glass windows of this period. As is also common with 13th-century stained glass, the figures enameled in black are painted only on one side of the window. (The fifth photo shows the window as photographed from the back).

In my 20 years as a dealer in fine decorative antiques, I have only possessed four early stained glass windows; this is by far the eldest, most important, and most beautiful! I have extensively researched the history of stained glass, and this window pre-dates 1350, when new developments allowed for more than one color to be fired in each separate pane.

The style of the images are also consistent to church rondels of the late 12th- and early 13th century, as are the garments in the figures depicted. (see photos below for similar examples; ref. Virginia Raguin, "Stained Glass: From its Origins to the Present," Abrams Books, 2003). After consulting several other experts in the area of early stained glass, the consensus is that this is indeed a French piece, most likely manufactured in Paris in the late 12th- or early 13th-century.

This marvel of a window measures just 15" in diameter, and is the perfect size for home display. It looks breath-taking cased and back-lit! The window still retains bits of black oak between the outer leading and the section which would have fit into the original 13th-century church. One or two small spots of the leading has been re-inforced, but the whole of the window is just as beautiful as it was when it graced the window of a French Church over 800 years ago! There is also one small piece of border leading that has separated from the foundation, but this could easily be fixed by an expert in antique stained glass. (Personally, it is so small that I would leave this historic window just as it is.)

This fabulous jewel of a window will add history and importance to any decor, and it is truly an investment-quality piece. Age and provenance is guaranteed; a COA and valuation will be included in the sale of this item. The window is only 7 mm thick; I have displayed it on a large platter easel with lighting from behind, and it positively glows! Please remember that this is a genuine, MEDIEVAL of stained glass, NOT a later reproduction!

If you love the finest in the art of the Gothic Church, here is an exceedingly rare opportunity to acquire a genuine example of medieval stained glass! It would also make the ULTIMATE gift for any lady or gentleman fascinated with fine, medieval stained glass. (Or better yet, treat yourself this year; you deserve it!)

Due to its size and comparative fragility, this item will be professionally crated an shipped to the new owner at NO CHARGE; I have included the price of shipping into my sale price. (This applied to the continental US; overseas buyers, please e-mail for shipping quotes.) Do not miss this magnificent work of art from the Age of Chivalry; it is a genuine treasure, and I do not expect to ever find another! I will be happy to answer any questions about this piece by e-mail.

LAYAWAY IS AVAILABLE ON THIS ITEM! Terms are as follows 25% down, with 8 months to pay the balance. if you are interested in layaway, please do not be shy; just ask!

Item ID: 660