Loughrea St. Brendan's Cathedral Baptistry Window St. Ita 1908

Sarah Purser designed this stained-glass window of Saint Ita for the baptistry of St. Brendan's Cathedral in Loughrea, Ireland. Purser was a key figure in the Irish Arts and Crafts movement, which sought to revive traditional Irish crafts and promote national identity. The window depicts St. Ita, an early Irish saint known for her devotion to children and education. The image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. It is important to consider how the Irish cultural and religious context influenced its creation. The window reflects the revival of interest in Celtic art and spirituality that characterized the Irish cultural renaissance. To understand this window better, we can turn to archival records and historical texts, examining the social networks and cultural debates in which Purser participated. By understanding the historical context, we can gain insight into the window's meaning as an expression of Irish identity, religious devotion, and artistic innovation.