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A rose window is a large circular stained glass window with a tracery (stone support) that is designed as a geometric pattern. They originated in the large Medieval cathedrals of Northern Europe. For more information about medieval glass and rose windows see Medieval Glass.
Return to question listWhat is the significance of the rose window in cultural terms?
The Rose Windows of Northern Europe are the among the grandest of all. In the Middle Ages Rose windows first appeared after the conquering of Moorish Spain and the translation of Arab libraries which contained books on Sacred Geometry - knowledge that had been lost in the Northern European tradition since the Dark Ages. The term 'rose' was first used in connection with Aphrodite but then became associated with the Virgin Mary in the Christian tradition. Most of the Great French Cathedrals, and many of their rose windows, are dedicated to Mary as the most perfect expression of human obedience and Divine Love combined. They were meant to inspire devotion and aid prayer and contemplation. There is an interesting article on the subject at:
http:// www.stainedglass.org/main_pages/magazine_pages/rose.htm
Return to question listHow do you display a 'virtual' Rose Window without building it?
It is possible to make three dimensional buildings in virtual reality and so one can make a 'virtual' cathedral to put the window in. There will be a projection of the final selection of assembled images full scale (15 meters/50 foot) on a large building at night for the effect of a real rose window without having to build a stone structure.
Return to question listHas something like this ever been done before?
There are web sites dedicated to collaborative art work but these usually take a narrative form or are collections of work related to a theme. Two of interest are WomEnhouse - a site based on different women artists interpretations of virtual reality spaces in a virtual house and Women Beyond the Borders - an interesting project in which women were sent an identical miniature wooden box in which to make an artwork. This resulted in a travelling exhibition. Stained glass has not yet been used as a vehicle for collaborative work on line. The most famous example of a collaborative women's art work to date is Judy Chicago's Dinner Party in which many artists contributed to the assembly of a dinner table with plates and embroidered runners celebrating female power and achievement.
Return to question listWhere can I learn more about famous Rose Windows around the world?
To learn more about rose windows on line there is a great book. Cowen, P. (1979) Rose Windows - Thames and Hudson: London.
There is an informative site at www.constructingtheuniverse.com on geometry in Sacred Art which also describes the geometry of the North Window of Chartres in detail.
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©DA Whitbread MA(RCA), School of Arts, Design, Media and Culture, University of Sunderland, UK. June 1st, 2006