Stained glass art is a form that creates images and objects by cutting and arranging pieces of colored glass. These can be used for windows, lamps, wall hangings, or other objects that let light through. It is one of the most intractable art forms in that it uses numerous structural factors to create effects. It is based on the interaction between two highly dynamic phenomena: light and the structure of a building.

The history of stained glass goes back over a thousand years. However, it was widely practiced in the nineteenth century. After that time, it was rediscovered and revived in the early twentieth century. Throughout the centuries, many artists have developed techniques that will continue to shape the way we view stained glass.

During the middle ages, stained glass was used to make religious pictures. The earliest designs were composed in simple fields of color, but this was changed during the 12th and 13th centuries. During the medieval era, several stained glass artists produced masterpieces.

During the 14th and 15th centuries, a more muted color harmony took hold. This was a reflection of a growing preference for less fantastic effects. It also inspired the use of metal strips as positive design elements. This led to the development of near-black vitreous enamel. This technique is still used in modern stained glass art.

Gothic architecture was a major influence on the development of stained glass art. The elongated, vaulted roof of a Gothic building allowed artists to use spaces between pillars. They were then free to combine the image of an object with its ornament. In this way, the great rose windows were created. These windows combined the structure of the building with the ornament of the window.

This fusion of image, ornament, and structure was a significant turning point in the history of stained glass. A window can appear to be anything, including a swan, a prankster, or a pigeon. In this way, the window becomes a challenge for viewers. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, several new types of glass were developed for stained-glass windows.

Stained glass is a form of colored glass that is cut into pieces and then soldered together to create a unique image. It can be used to decorate businesses, homes, and churches. The most distinctive effects come from refracting and obscuring the light. Artists often focus on the color scheme when creating stained glass.