Stained Glass 1856

Owen Jones created this print of ‘Stained Glass’ during the height of the British Empire, an era defined by colonial expansion and the rise of industrial capitalism. Jones was a Welsh architect and designer, renowned for his colorful decorative schemes and his influential publication, "The Grammar of Ornament." In this print, Jones presents a variety of stained-glass designs, reflecting his deep engagement with historical and global art traditions. His theories encouraged the study of non-Western art, but we must reckon with the fact that these designs often served to exoticize and commodify cultures, reinforcing imperial power dynamics. The intense colors and geometric patterns of the stained glass evoke a sense of spirituality and luxury, embodying the aspirations of the Victorian elite. These designs reflect the complex interplay between aesthetic appreciation, cultural appropriation, and the socio-political context of the 19th century. What do they evoke in you?