Swiss Stained Glass, 19th Century

Swiss stained glass, 19th century. Depicting a halberdier in Renaissance attire. Painted glass, grisaille, and leaded assembly. 65cm x 31cm. A very fine 19th-century Swiss stained glass window depicting a full-length halberdier, dressed in a rich Renaissance-style costume. The man holds a long-shafted halberd, the triangular head of which stands out clearly against the light background. His bearded face, with red hair, is painted with exquisite expressiveness and masterful skill. The figure wears a pleated green doublet, slashed red sleeves, and a wide blue hat adorned with pastel feathers, typical of 16th-century historicist representations. The striped breeches and the interplay of folds demonstrate a particularly meticulous handling of the material. The figure is highlighted by a background of light gray tiles, against which, in the background, appear a few sketched landscape elements—buildings, vegetation—reminiscent of the narrative tradition of Swiss stained glass. The whole is a stained-glass window of very high quality, both in the richness of the colors and in the precision of the design and the mastery of grisaille and highlighting techniques. The stained glass does, however, show some minor losses and wear to the painted glass and the lead came, consistent with its age. These elements can be restored for approximately €300; a quote can be obtained from a specialized workshop.