Stained Glass By Sigmar Polke

Overview

Within the historic Grossmünster church in Zurich, Switzerland, lies a captivating contemporary art installation: the stained-glass windows by German artist Sigmar Polke. These extraordinary windows, completed in 2009, represent Polke's final major work before his passing and offer a profound dialogue between modern artistry and ancient sacred space. Visitors to the Grossmünster are drawn not only to its Romanesque architecture and rich Reformation history but also to the vibrant, innovative light cast by Polke's unique creations.

The collection comprises twelve windows in total, adorning the nave of the church. Seven of these are crafted from thin slices of translucent agate, a semi-precious stone, while the remaining five are traditional stained-glass depictions of Old Testament figures. This unconventional blend of materials and subjects creates an immersive and reflective experience, transforming the ambient light into a dynamic display of color and form.

History & Cultural Background

The Grossmünster itself is a monumental landmark in Zurich, a Swiss Reformed church whose origins are steeped in legend, purportedly founded by Charlemagne. Construction of the current Romanesque structure began around 1100, and it was inaugurated around 1220.

Culturally, the Grossmünster holds immense significance as the cradle of the Swiss-German Reformation, initiated by Huldrych Zwingli in 1520. Over centuries, the church has seen various artistic additions, including the stunning choir windows by Swiss artist Augusto Giacometti from 1933.

Sigmar Polke, renowned as 'the Alchemist' for his experimental approach to materials and techniques, was commissioned in 2006 to create new windows for the Grossmünster. His work followed a long tradition of artists contributing to the church's visual narrative, bringing a distinctly modern perspective to its historical context. The project was completed in 2009, shortly before his death, making these windows a poignant artistic legacy.

What Makes It Special

What sets Sigmar Polke's windows apart is his innovative use of materials and his ability to bridge contemporary art with traditional ecclesiastical design. For seven of the windows, Polke chose to work with agate, slicing the semi-precious stone thinly so that light could pass through. This technique creates a luminous, mosaic-like effect, causing the windows to 'glow' with natural, earthy hues and subtle textures.

The other five windows are figurative, illustrating Old Testament stories with motifs such as the scapegoat, Isaac, the Son of Man, Elijah, and David. These designs, based on medieval illuminations but rendered with Polke's unique vision, employ various glass techniques to achieve distinct visual experiences. The abstract patterns and vibrant colors of the agate windows complement the narrative power of the figurative ones, creating a cohesive yet diverse artistic statement within the ancient architecture of the nave. This daring combination of abstraction and figuration, natural stone and painted glass, results in an 'otherworldly' and 'immaterial' quality, described as an outstanding dialogue between contemporary art and traditional church architecture.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Polke's decision to use agate was particularly groundbreaking. He cut the stone into almond-shaped slices, allowing them to reveal their inherent textures and dramatic color variations when illuminated by sunlight. The collaborative process behind these windows is also fascinating; Polke, a trained glass painter himself, worked closely with stained-glass artist Urs Rickenbach, who executed his intricate designs. This partnership pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible in stained glass, embodying a spirit of 'no such thing as 'no can do''.

The Old Testament figures depicted in the figurative windows are strategically positioned to lead the viewer's gaze towards the chancel window by Augusto Giacometti, symbolizing a continuous spiritual narrative moving towards the birth of Christ. This thoughtful integration ensures that Polke's modern additions respect and enhance the existing historical and theological framework of the Grossmünster.

Visitor Perspective

Experiencing Sigmar Polke's stained-glass windows is an essential part of any visit to the Grossmünster. The best time to appreciate the full spectrum of colors and light is often during daylight hours, when the sun illuminates the windows, bringing the agate and glass to life. Admission to the main church is generally free, though there may be a fee to climb the towers, which offer panoramic views of Zurich.

The Grossmünster is centrally located in Zurich's Old Town, easily accessible by public transport and just a short walk from Zurich Main Station. Visitors should allow ample time to explore not only Polke's windows but also the Romanesque crypt, Giacometti's choir windows, and the general historical ambiance of this significant landmark.