Holy Spirit stained glass window
A work for a cemetery chapel in Sicily
I was asked to create a Holy Spirit stained glass window depicted in the form of a dove for a cemetery chapel located in Gela, Sicily. The client, inspired by the majesty of the stained glass window in the apse of St. Peter’s in Rome, wanted something similar but with a more personal vision.
I love the golden background of that famous stained glass window that seems to radiate in all directions, but I have always found the representation of the dove less harmonious than one might imagine. Its pose reminds me more of a bird of prey than the delicate and peaceful image of a dove.
The symbolism of the dove
The idea of representing the Holy Spirit as a dove has very ancient origins, rooted directly in the Gospels. During the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, Luke recounts: “And the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form, like a dove.” This image is deeply significant: the Holy Spirit, although incorporeal and invisible, at that moment took a tangible form, recognizable by all.
The dove has always been a symbol of innocence, purity and holiness, qualities that are perfectly associated with the figure of the Holy Spirit. Depicting it in flight symbolizes its living and active presence in the world, bearer of peace and blessing.
The creation of this work
For the sketch of this Holy Spirit stained glass window, I decided to start from a real photograph of a dove found on the web, looking for a more natural and harmonious pose than that of the original stained glass window of St. Peter. The result is a dove in flight, with open wings, which conveys a sense of grace and lightness.
The customer was enthusiastic about my proposal, recognizing in my interpretation a representation closer to reality and to the idea of the Holy Spirit. Working on this Holy Spirit stained glass window was a rewarding experience: not only for the opportunity to create a unique work, but also for the meaning that this stained glass window will bring to the chapel, a place of recollection and memory for the family who commissioned it.
The creation of the Holy Spirit stained glass window
To create this Holy Spirit stained glass window, I carefully chose the materials, the dove was cut using transparent mouth blown glass while for the background, I opted for a mix of cathedral glass, selecting shades ranging from a very pale yellow to a rich orange.
As usual, the customer was involved in the creation process, receiving constant updates through images that documented the processing phases.
Double glazing, packaging and transport
The panel, as requested, was inserted in double glazing between two shatterproof glasses, carefully packed in a wooden crate and shipped to Gela. This method ensures maximum protection during transport, preserving the integrity of the Holy Spirit stained glass window.
The importance of authenticity in works of art
We are proud to share that this stained glass window has been appreciated so much that it was recently copied by a colleague. On the one hand, we are flattered to know that our creations inspire other artists; on the other, we firmly believe that the beauty and uniqueness of our works are the result of 25 years of experience, passion and expertise.
If you are interested to commission a religious stained glass window or a work with the Holy Spirit, why not contact us directly? Each of our projects is made with attention, quality materials and a personalized design, guaranteeing a result that no imitation can ever match.
Explore the world of sacred stained glass
IKO Studio specializes in creating unique and refined sacred stained glass windows, perfect for cemetery chapels, churches and places of worship. We invite you to visit our page dedicated to sacred stained glass windows for cemetery chapels, where you can admire other projects that combine art and spirituality.
Not just doves: our stained glass windows with birds
If you love the symbolism of the dove or are passionate about representations of nature, discover our other stained glass windows with birds, works that celebrate the beauty of creation through unique plays of light and colors.
