The Jesse Window at Wells Cathedral.
4th place in our search to find the Nation’s favourite stained glass window goes to the Jesse Window at Wells Cathedral.
Wells Cathedral – Jesse Window (c.1340)
Seven lights with twenty-seven panels in lustrous symmetrical Curvilinear scheme, high gable at east end of quire, c.7.5 × 6.5 m
Wells has an amazingly varied collection of glass, from windows made up of fragments in the Lady Chapel, to small detailed medieval traceries in the quire aisles, to tiny windows using silver stain, to dramatically coloured glass from Rouen and a magnificent Edwardian River of Water of Life. High up at the east end of the quire shines one of the Cathedral’s greatest treasures: the Jesse Window.
It is part of a seven-window scheme that forms a beautiful reredos above and around the high altar. It dates from c.1340 and is approximately 90 per cent original medieval glass. The artists are unknown, but it is clear from the window’s internal stylistic variations that three were involved. The window represents Christ’s authority as it derives from his descent from Abraham – it shows family, prophets and kings. Jesse himself lies asleep at the base of the central light with a rod rising from his person, as Isaiah prophesied (Isaiah 11:1), as well as a white vine that winds itself round all the other figures. Above Jesse is the Virgin Mary with the Infant Christ in her arms. A green cross emerges from behind her throne, upon which Christ is seen crucified. In the traceries above are Resurrection scenes featuring figures rising from their tombs, trumpeting angels, and probably Christ our Saviour and Redeemer.
The window has the wonderfully lustrous quality of medieval pot-metal glass. It is also notable for its depth and brightness of colour, as well as for its delightful symmetry on the levels of both composition and colouring. A programme of conservation began in 2012, with each panel of the window being taken to the workshop of Holy Well Glass in the city of Wells for careful cleaning and, where necessary, repair.
Read more about all the windows in our campaign here.
You can buy the book, Divine Light – The Stained Glass of England’s Cathedrals here.
