Stained Glass as an Art (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1896 Excerpt: ...images, which tell of peace where there is no peace, and of goodwill where selfishness reigns supreme, can be but mockery. But selfishness, though it reigns unchecked in the market, has not yet destroyed the heart of man, and this will sooner or later (God grant that it may be soon) overthrow the tyrannical profit-system which controls and thwarts its better desires and makes our daily work an engine of the Devil, Mammon. Is this a digression? To those who look upon art as an empty show, and composition as a lifeless system of academic rules, it may be. To those who regard art as the expression of the best that is in us, and composition but as a means towards the fuller expression of that best, these reflections go straight to the heart of our subject. I have said that composition cannot be separated from motive, neither can motive be separated from the great purpose of life which must underlie all work that is worth doing. 1. LIGHT AND SHADE we have now great practical it may be well HE point which reached is of importance, and to recall the conclusions at which we have already arrived and which lead us to it. We have seen that, as transparency is the characteristic and distinctive quality of our material, it is this which we must preserve and develop. We have noted the difference between light and deep colours, and how lines and tones may be employed to enhance their brilliancy and to harmonize them with each other; but so far the question has been only considered in its technical aspect. We have now to take it up in relation to the situation and purpose of the work. This matter may be regarded from two points of view: first, the lines and tones should add interest to the design as a representation of figures, draperies, foliage, &c, and as conveying ...