A Symbol Of Hope: Notre Dame Rose Window Still Stand

The Rose Stained Glass Windows Of Notre Dame

As the whole world watched the Notre Dame Cathedral burn, many thoughts raced through our collective minds.  First to the safety of anyone inside then to the host of historical relics, artworks, and unparalleled architectural structures that we knew for sure were engulfed in flames or close to it.  As we here at Scottish stained glass, looked at the images of the burning spire fast sinking into that fiery mass, our hearts too sunk, assuming the very worst about the famous and beloved Rose windows.  This is because we are more than just stained glass restorers here but avid stained glass lovers as well–and there is quite possibly no other stained glass window in the world that encapsulates the affection we have for this magnificent artform than–the Rose Window Of Notre Dame.

The History Of The Rose Window Of Notre Dame

Incredibly built in the 13th century during the Gothic period but somehow still relevant and timely in today’s distant world.  Whether because of the careful choice of bold colors, which truly never go out of style, or the jewel-like pattern in which each delicate panel is positioned, this window could as easily pass for modern as it does Gothic–a dichotomy that is part of its undeniable charm.  However, the Rose Window or Notre Dame was built for peril just like we witnessed this week– distributing weight equally across a perforated stone wall of traversing apertures.  This structural style also happens to lend itself to making this lovely stained glass window appear much more delicate and fragile than it truly is.  As we have mentioned many times in our blog--stained glass is, contrary to popular belief, incredibly durable, something we run across each and every restoration and have yet to fully appreciate ourselves. The Rose Window of Notre Dame–is no exception.  

 

“Although the wooden roof is gone, the vaulted stone ceiling below and the iconic rose windows have been saved, the latter at least surviving in “good shape,” Lt. Col. Gabriel Plus

 

This is why we have such great hope for the Rose Window still.  While not completely out danger yet because of the failing structure that surrounds it, it is our hope that this window will yet prevail, as it has done through the last 7+ centuries–through wars, invasions, plagues, riots, occupations and more.  If history is any indication of the fate of this iconic stained glass window, we know for sure it will endure, and a restoration, albeit a massive one, will keep this piece of religious art intact for scores of generations who have yet to enjoy looking up at a piece of stained glass that has seen the world change but somehow remains the same.

 

For inquiries about a San Antonio area stained glass restoration of your own, contact us at Scottish Stained Glass today.  We serve all of Texas and many other regions across the US and would love to work your church or home stained glass restoration project.