cologne windows

As it was to be expected, Cologne cathedral has spectacular stained glass windows, some of them are beautifully shown here and here . The one which caught my attention, however, was the “different one”, where no particular figures or symbols were identified:

Getting closer:

window views

Such modern art for a gothic cathedral, was my first thought! it was a most amazing surprise during the visit to the cathedral. Thanks to g**gle I now know it is Gerhard Richter's 'Symphony of Light' (finished in August 2007) and that it replaced the southern window , which had consisted of simple unadorned glass ever since the original stained-glass window was destroyed during World War II. I also learned that "The archbishop, who is not opposed to modern art per se, reportedly wanted to have a figurative work, for example with representations of saints or 20th century martyrs, rather than an abstract one". Source. It was not without controversy!!

"The 11,500 squares of glass in 72 colors fill the 20-meter-high window, which was designed by Gerhard Richter, one of Germany's most important living artists. The 75-year-old painter and photographer declared that he was happy the project had been a success, particularly as, unlike his other work, it isn’t intended to hang for a short time but is to be a "window for eternity." " Source