Ancestors of Christ Windows at Canterbury Cathedral

Weaver Jeffrey, Caviness Madeline Harrison

This is an illuminating look at some of the oldest stained glass – and most famous medieval paintings – in all of England. Eighty-six near life-size figures of the male ancestors of Christ once looked down on the choir and eastern extension of the medieval cathedral and priory church of Canterbury. Made of stained glass, the ancestors of Christ windows illuminated liturgical areas all year round. Dating from the 12th-century, the surviving windows from the series are among the oldest panels of stained glass in England, and are significant examples of what was at the time a relatively new art – monumental stained glass. This luminously illustrated book discusses the original context, iconographic program, and stylistic development of the windows, as well as exploring how the windows were perceived.

About the Author

Jeffrey Weaver is associate curator in the Department of Sculpture and Decorative Arts at the J. Paul Getty Museum.

Madeline Caviness is Mary Richardson Professor Emeritus in the Department of Art and Art History at Tufts University, Massachusetts.

Reviews

"In July 2009 structural damage was discovered in the stonework of the Great South Window of Canterbury Cathedral. The stained glass was immediately removed and safely stored, to be returned once the repairs to the stonework are complete, but this has afforded the J. Paul Getty Museum a unique opportunity to photograph and study in detail some of the cathedral's famous Christ Windows" – Church Building & Heritage Review

Back to the list of books