Question

What symbolic meaning is conveyed through the stained glass in gothic cathedrals and byzantine art's opulent use of gold leaf and mosaic decoration?

Answer 1

Generally,the vitrage,or stained glass technique was used to convey an idea of other worldliness. When a person would enter the cathedral,the light would shine through the windows and illuminate the interior,causing a colourful ambient that would leave the person feeling as though they had entered another world;the world of God. The principle in the Byzantine age was the same,except it was more so to signify the god like attributes of the rulers themselves.