Artwork
Stained Glass Panel with Queen Kunigunde
Stained Glass Panel with Queen Kunigunde is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1350 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The panel is a work of stained glass portraying a regal figure in a composed stance.
About this work
Overview
The panel is a work of stained glass portraying a regal figure in a composed stance. She is dressed in a red mantle layered over a yellow gown, crowned, and holding a scepter in her right hand while her left hand is lifted in a gesture that suggests blessing or greeting. The composition is framed by ornamental foliage and floral motifs, rendered in bright, saturated hues.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is identified as Queen Kunigunde, a historical monarch whose presence in the glass likely served a devotional or commemorative purpose. The raised hand and scepter convey authority and benevolence, aligning with traditional iconography that emphasizes the queen’s role as a protector and intercessor.
Technique & Style
Executed in stained glass, the panel employs vivid color contrasts—particularly the red and yellow garments—to achieve visual impact. Detailed lead cames outline the facial features and attire, while the surrounding leaf and flower designs demonstrate the period’s ornamental approach, highlighting the craftsmanship of the glassmaker.
Context
Such panels were commonly incorporated into ecclesiastical settings or royal chapels, where they functioned both as decorative elements and as visual affirmations of dynastic legitimacy. The inclusion of a queen alongside symbolic regalia reflects the intertwining of religious and political narratives typical of the era.
Artist & collection
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