Prestige markers in art: subtle stratagems in material selection for fifteenth-century stained-glass windows

Abstract The understanding of the connection between value an image and materials that were used to make it is limited, especially for stained-glass windows. However, such information can bring-to-light how artistic economic questions intertwined final artwork depended on ranking materials. With this paper, we aim illustrate benefit combining art historical research with scientific analysis retrieve selection quality Therefore, main objective paper investigate link iconography in order recover choices highlight a possible hidden symbolism set window panels, as first case-study. Glass investigated according following parameters: (1) glass composition, (2) forming technique, (3) transparency hue colourless glass, (4) rarity complexity colouring technology. results our indicate four-studied panels originally assembled from two different compositional groups, K-rich Ca-rich specific attention was paid select only high-quality production techniques representation characters higher positions religious hierarchy. A very interesting aspect concerns way bishop rendered one because seems he actually upgraded his own prestige by requesting use more attentiveness rendering panel. By research, proposed case-study non-destructive tool bring discussion qualities stained window. We hope further encourage studies across Western Europe verify if similar observations be made.