St Andrew - St Ouen, Rouen France
Submitted by walwynDating from between 1325 and 1339, this exquisite panel of medieval stained glass depicts Saint Andrew and forms part of the clerestory windows of the Church of Saint-Ouen in Rouen, France. It stands as a testament to the artistry of early 14th-century glassmakers, whose craftsmanship transformed divine figures into radiant visions of light and colour.
Saint Andrew is shown in traditional iconography, robed in warm hues of russet and gold, with the diagonal cross, his symbol of martyrdom, draped across his shoulder. His right hand gently holds a book, signifying his role as a bearer of the Gospel, while his expression conveys a solemn composure that invites contemplation. The background, patterned with intricate latticework of white and geometric floral motifs, enhances the figure’s sanctity, creating a shimmering tapestry through which the daylight itself seems to pray.
At his feet lies a smaller kneeling figure, perhaps a donor or symbolic disciple, rendered in blue-green tones that contrast the saint’s vestments. This humble posture emphasizes veneration and the timeless relationship between saint and supplicant, a theme deeply rooted in the devotional art of the Gothic age.
The window, both delicate and luminous, reflects the height of Rouen’s medieval glass tradition. It captures not only the saint’s steadfast faith but also the medieval belief that light, filtered through sacred imagery, could become a conduit of the divine presence itself.

