preview

St. John Berger's Ways Of Seeing

Decent Essays

"The visual arts have always existed within a certain preserve; originally this preserve was magical or sacred. But it was also physical: it was the place, the cave, the building, in which, or for which, the work was made." (Berger, 32) The quote originating from John Berger's Ways of Seeing portrays that art is made to be preserved in its authentic context. Berger's quote purposes, seeing art in the context which the art was made for is the only way you can experience the art the way it was made to be experienced. With this specific quote in mind, walking through the doors of St. John's Cathedral is comparable to walking into the sacred preserve of the stained glass windows, that immediately catch your eye.

It is clear to see when you walk …show more content…

In John Berger's television series Ways of Seeing he says, "Everything around the image is part of its meaning. Its uniqueness is part of the uniqueness of the single place where it is. Everything around it confirms and consolidates its meaning." ("John Berger / Ways of Seeing, Episode 1 (1972)") Not only were the stained glass windows created to be in this building but they were also created to be displayed with each other. How the windows were placed in accordance with each other was purposeful and strategic. …show more content…

Each of the clerestory stained glass windows would be considered representational art because they each depict two great persons from the Bible. The windows on the South side of the building depict a major story from the Old Testament of the Bible. While the windows on the North side of the building depict major stories of the Old Testament. The large stained glass window above the high altar was made to depict God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. The palette used for this window was heavy in blue, red, and gold. These colors were used to represent the three in one aspect of God. Iconology is the main element that is used to relate the pieces of art to each other in the building. ("Architecture")
/
"But a work of art also suggests a cultural authority, a form of dignity, even wisdom, which is superior to any vulgar material interest." ( Berger, 135) In this quote, John Berger proposes that art in a place can change the effect the building as a whole radiates. I believe that Harold Whitehouse had this idea in his mind when he decides the theme and placement of the windows. The windows let in a soft light that plays a huge role in the effect of the Cathedral as a whole. The palette of all the windows creates an almost royal effect when you walk inside.

Get Access