After a splendid exhibition on the Merovingians, which broke some clichés on this little-known period, the Museum of Cluny devotes a monographic exhibition to glass, during the long Middle Ages. From the Vikings to the Italian pre-Renaissance, the imagination of the master glassmakers of the time is limitless.
Despite the pharaonic modernization work (which is scheduled to end in 2020), the museum's cultural programming continues on its way. Away from the structural work, the frigidarium is occupied by a very rich exhibition on glass in the Middle Ages. Divided thematically into three parts, the exhibition presents an impressive number and variety of objects, more than 230 glasses, stained glass windows, manuscripts, paintings, etc.
At the beginning of the Middle Ages, when the Western Roman Empire gave way to a large number of so-called "barbarian" kingdoms, glass once again became a luxury product. The supply is made in the East, but it is, several times, interrupted. As a result, at first, glass craftsmen will reuse old glass, but, little by little, it becomes clear that new processes must be invented to meet the growing demand for glass. It is easy to recognize locally produced glass, more opaque and colored, imported glass, clearer and very transparent.
Glass in architecture
When we talk about glass in the Middle Ages, we immediately think of the stained glass windows of churches and cathedrals. As rich and admirable as the most careful illuminations, the stained glass windows are the result of nearly a thousand years of research to lead to the masterpieces of the fifteenth century. These architectural glassworks fascinate, and their study allows us to learn not only about medieval techniques, but also about trade.
If, in France, master glassmakers mainly use blue and red, these two shades are very informative. The luminous blue, called Chartres, comes from an order placed in the twelfth century in the East. Similarly, red, whose oxidation was slowed down by a mixture of transparent glasses, thus made it possible to obtain ideal color variations for representations of fire. Under the influence of the Cistercians, the stained glass windows became transparent, with the only decoration, the lead interlacing. In the fourteenth century appears the technique of silver yellow, which consists in painting with silver powder patterns on transparent glass or making color appear in it.
The fifteenth century saw the culmination of the art of stained glass. The color makes its comeback, but this time with silver yellow and different thicknesses of colored glass allowing shades and color changes, without the use of lead. Intricate patterns, with stripes, make their appearance by the application of enamel powder. These creations were so expensive that it was the wealthy corporations that donated them to churches and cathedrals.
Gradually, the nobility and then the big bourgeoisie began to have glass windows made. But this movement is very slow and often only concerns small openings in height. Thus, in France, diamond braces are created, while in Italy glass washers are preferred.
The uses of glass in everyday life: an ostentatious luxury
But glass is not just about architecture. It gradually enters the interiors in the form of small dishes. Thus, owning a glass glass is a real luxury, and nobles and notables do not hesitate to be represented on their portrait with a glass. For banquets, it is not uncommon to rent glass cups.
Already in the early Middle Ages, the Vikings did not hesitate to travel thousands of kilometers to acquire glass objects. Merovingian tombs also contained glass bottles, of ancient origin or inspiration. With the technical advances of master glassmakers, we gradually see the appearance of glazed glasses of great finesse or with a long foot that only the court can afford.
The liturgy also seizes glass objects, whether for lamps suspended in clear light or chalices and reliquaries. Indeed, although precious, glass cannot be stolen. The monstrance reliquaries are all the rage and thus make the saint more accessible to pilgrims.
In medicine, glass is widely used in stills, but especially for the study of urine. Medical treatises count 21 colors of urine for as many ailments and disturbances of humors.
Precious and precise glass
Thus glass, luxury product and medical product, is also found on jewelry, sacred pieces of goldsmithery, on embroidered fabrics, but also in optics.
Glasses are appearing, even if their use and comfort are still very limited, the best optics are also produced in German-speaking countries. A treatise on Saint Augustine thus presents the traces of glasses forgotten for a time between its pages. To facilitate reading and writing, scholars use magnifying convex mirrors. It was in Murano that the first large flat mirrors were created during the pre-Renaissance.
The scenography is impressive on the stained glass windows whose colors are bright. This exhibition is a rare opportunity to see so closely stained glass windows from different eras. The three central showcases present the evolution of style and use of glass in everyday life. The last section is a little more discreet, despite impressive pieces.
To conclude, this exhibition is very dense and impressive. The explanations are very informative and the video at the entrance of the exhibition particularly clear. The pieces presented are, for the vast majority, of high quality. But the best thing is that you make up your own mind.
