“Inner light” Stained glass in contemporary French sacred art – an overview

In the 1920s, a movement of revival sacred art began in France, which also included stained glass. Its was associated with departure from illusionistic character glass 19 th century and reference to monumentalism spiritual tradition Middle Ages. The search for new concept glass, both its ideological technological aspects, resulted creation “artists’ glass” (vitraux d’artistes), realised middle 20 on official commissions, thanks cooperation ecclesiastical institutions state authorities, acquired firm legal financial basis 1980s. stages this evolution were marked by ensembles designed masters post-war avant-garde: G. Rouault J. Bazaine Notre Dame de Toute Grâce plateau Assy (1937–1946); H. Matisse du Rosaire Vence (1940); A. Manessier Saint Michel Les Bréseux first abstract stained-glass windows (1948); F. Léger, Le Moal interior Sacré-Coeur Audincourt, (1949–1951); Corbusier Ronchamp (1951–1955) modern Villon, R. Bissière M. Chagall, introduced time world-class monument architecture, Cathedral Saint-Étienne Metz (1955). restoration Saint-Cyr et Sainte-Julitte Nevers provided an opportunity representatives younger generation: Ubac, C. Viallat, J.M. Alberola, Honegger Rouan (1973–2011), showcase their vision painting. With exception all non-figurative trends that had been developing since 1950s. same trend referring Cistercian outstanding realisations J.P. Raynaud Noirlac (1975–1977), P. Soulages Conques (1986), Ricardon Acey (1991–1994) Nemours, representative Art Concret movement, at Salagon (1998). return figuration found continuation projects Garouste Talant (1996–1997), Benzaken Saint-Sulpice Varennes-Jarcy (1991–2007), Raysse, Nouveau Réalisme Notre-Dame l’Arche d’Alliance Paris (1986–1998) Collin-Thiébaut Gatien Tours (2010–2013). creators vitraux d’artistes accepted prescribed programmatic framework without giving up freedom choice means expression aesthetic conventions. Thanks research creativity artists – introduction innovative processes or interpretation traditional materials craft methods but courage and, above all, commissioners, French has fully integrated itself into contemporary visual expression.