14th century

14th century church monuments

Effigy of priest on chest tomb.

 

 

 

In the 14th century (c. 1300–1400), church monuments were primarily effigial tombs, brasses, and cross slabs, rooted in Gothic art and feudal piety. They emphasized chivalry, prayer, and heraldry, with growing realism in dress and armour.

 

 

 

Brass monument makers, London ‘C’

Active: late 14th century – early 15th century

The designation “London ‘C’” is used by modern scholarship to identify an anonymous group of London-based brass engravers responsible for a coherent body of late medieval monumental brasses. The label derives from stylistic analysis rather than documentary evidence and distinguishes this workshop from other contemporary London groups.

C14th English stained glass fragments - Pattishall Northamptonshire

C14 stained glass fragments

 

This fragmentary but evocative window from Holy Cross Church, Pattishall, preserves elements of a 14th-century English stained glass narrative cycle. The surviving lights depict a kneeling orant figure with hands raised in prayer, and beside it, a group showing Christ with a disciple or saint, set beneath delicately painted Gothic architectural canopies.

Chancel Windows - Tewkesbury Abbey

The stained glass windows in the chancel of Tewkesbury Abbey are all from between 1338 and 1340. They were most probably a gift to the Abbey by Eleanor Despenser (nee de Clare) the wife of Hugh Despenser the Younger. Eleanor is thought to be the person depicted in the panel here.

Chartres Cathedral

Chartres Cathedral

Chartres Cathedral has some of the most beautiful medieval stained glass windows to have survive the upheavals of the last 800 years. The earliest date from the mid 12th century, but most are from the 13th century.

 

 

Dancing Angels: Donatello’s Renaissance Spiritelli

Seated Spritello by Donatello

Donatello’s spiritelli—small bronze, dancing child figures—embody the Renaissance fusion of classical vitality and Christian joy. Created for settings from pulpits to private collections, these lively winged children transformed ancient putti into symbols of divine life and humanist celebration. Through their movement, naturalism, and charm, Donatello redefined sculpture as a living expression of sacred and worldly beauty.

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