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How did silver stain allow stained-glass artists to create yellow colours?
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stained glass
The stained-glass rose window in the north transept of Chartres Cathedral, France.
In the early 14th century, stained-glass artists discovered that they could create a range of yellow tones by applying silver salts to the surface of the glass.1
When this silver stain is applied and subsequently fired, it produces colors ranging from a pale canary tint to a deep, fiery amber. The specific shade achieved depends on two primary factors:1
- Application: How heavily the silver salt stain is applied to the glass surface.1
- Firing: How thoroughly the glass is fired in the kiln.1
This technique allowed artists to achieve greater detail and flexibility in their work, helping to liberate stained glass from the structural limitations of traditional lead lines. It is distinct from the process of silvering used to create mirrors, which involves depositing metallic silver onto glass to create a reflective surface.12