Light According to Pseudo-Dionysius' Philosophy and Its Effect on Stained Glass Artworks

Abstract Since its high uses in Gothic Churches, the art of stained glass has been known as one of the prominent features of Gothic art and architecture. Regard to the symbolic nature of Christian art in the medieval era and also the decorative and technical style of it, the question raised that whether the use of stained glass rooted in philosophical thoughts or mystical symbolism or not- especially the artworks of Suger as the designer of Basilique Saint-Denis. On the other hand, stained glass has a direct connection with light which plays a significant role in Christian art. The concept of light is mentioned in the scriptures and most of the Fathers of the Church studied the concept including Pseudo-Dionysius who had special attention to the issue and presented the metaphysical theory of light in his philosophy and aesthetics. Most of the scholastic philosophers and Christian mystical traditions had been influenced by his thoughts. Thus, the paper seeks to review the reasons for using stained glass in Gothic churches as well as the influence of Pseudo-Dionysius' aesthetics on it. In this way, we reveal some aspects of its symbolic meaning.