Reproductie van een ontwerp van een gebrandschilderd raam voor de kapel van de abdij-school van Maredsous in Denée, België before 1896

This is Joseph Casier's design for a stained-glass window, intended for the chapel of the Maredsous Abbey school in Belgium. The design provides a glimpse into the complex process of creating a stained-glass window. Each piece of colored glass had to be carefully selected, cut, and painted before being fired in a kiln to fuse the paint to the glass. The individual pieces would then be assembled and held together with lead cames. The social context of the Abbey school, as a place of education and religious instruction, is also relevant. Casier’s design reflects the values and beliefs of the institution, and would have served to inspire and educate the students who attended the school. Looking at this design, it is important to remember that the final artwork involves a great deal of skilled labor and craftsmanship. Understanding the materials, making, and context of production allows us to fully appreciate the skill involved.