A Pane in the Glass Trivia Quiz

Answer: Cobalt

Giovanni Bertini (1799-1849) was one of the acclaimed glass-makers who worked on the monumental panes of stained glass in Milan Cathedral. He made use of cobalt to achieve the deep vibrant blue that can be seen in some of these massive windows. Originally, stained glass windows were often used to tell the stories found in the Bible to those subjects who were not literate.

Answer: Porthole

A porthole window is a small, round (usually), window that was found originally on ships. They also appear on some homes, cars, and aircraft. The original purpose of the porthole was to bring light and fresh air into the damp quarters of a ship that were below deck.

They are usually made of heavy glass and are often convex or concave in design. This term is also used when this type of window is used in a building that has a maritime motif.

Answer: Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral is one of the most important places of worship for the Anglican Church. Originally founded in 597, it was under construction off and on for over a thousand years. This magnificent edifice is home to over 1,200 square meters of stained glass, much of it dating to medieval times.

There are hundreds of panels such as the one displayed that are inspired by stories in the Bible. This particular one depicts Jesus on a donkey, entering the city of Jerusalem, on the original Palm Sunday.

Answer: Frank O. Gehry

The Vitra Design Museum, which opened in 1989, is one of the most unique buildings in the world. One of the most unusual aspects of this building is an almost complete lack of windows. In this photo, one of the very few windows in the building can be seen at the top left of the building. Designer Frank O. Gehry is responsible for this magnificent museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany, which focuses on a magnificent collection of furniture and interior designs from the 20th century.

Answer: Rose window

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is often considered to be a classic example of French Gothic architecture. This photo is of one of the many rose windows found around the church. The term Catherine window is sometimes used instead, and today both terms may be used for any round window in modern architecture. Rose windows are found in most Gothic structures throughout Europe, and are known for their intricate designs.

This window is believed to have been completed around 1250.

Answer: Michelangelo

"Kneeling windows", properly called inginocchiate windows, are attributed to the great artist Michelangelo. These monumental windows, which have a pediment above, are used exclusively on the ground floor. Their name is derived from the two protruding brackets, which support the window sill and resemble two legs from the knees down.

The other three options are all fictional Italian characters from literature.

Answer: Clerestory

Clerestory windows have been found in many styles of architecture throughout the ages. This term indicates clear windows as opposed to stained glass, and are often found in buildings with cupolas, flying-buttress style ceilings, or basilicas. They are often seen in buildings with a Gothic or Romanesque style design.

Answer: Hilversum

The Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision is one of the main tourist attractions in the Dutch city of Hilversum. The glass facade of the building is covered with images from Dutch television which have been baked onto cast glass. The effect is simply stunning, both inside and out. Tours of the building are offered almost every day.

Answer: Hawaii

The Kekauluohi Building is found on the grounds of the Iolani Palace in the American state of Hawaii. This photo is an image of a type of architectural feature known as a skylight. This lovely stained glass window was installed not only to provide light to the building but also to add ambiance. First opened in 1906 this neo-classic style building was designed by Hawaiian native Charles Kana'ina.

Answer: Many of the windows depict non-religious events

The stained glass windows of the Washington National Cathedral depict many non-religious ideas and events. The photo is of the 'Space Window', which is in honor of space travel and outer space. There is a window that depicts the Capital Building, one that depicts the wild west, and one that depicts sea life.

The bright colors used in these windows make for colorful shadows all around this building. Construction for this Episcopal Church began in 1907, and it is built in the English Gothic design.