The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-08-04
stained Glass I'm ST. Peters Church.

From the Albany Evening Journal, July 90
The introduction Of rare and valuable works of art
into city is Of sufficient public interest 10 be appro
priaely the subject Of public notice. and especaily 30
when they contribute TO the adornmen of cur public
edifces. To many Of citizens who have seen the
stained glass windows recently imported from England
and placed in the east aisle of St. Peters, some
a. their subjects may be Of interest
When the new st. Peters erected two windows
we're reserved, at the request Of Mr. John v. L. Pruyn
ma the late Mr. Watts Sherman, of New York. formerly
member Of the parish memorials of the two sisters
Aw Pruyn and Mrs. Sherman deceased. They have
been filed within few days with stained glass; from the
mandatory OF Clayton Bell London, at expense OF
from four to five thousand dollars, constituting memo
nal as beautiful and appropriate well be conceived
The subjects represented are, with exception incl
dents in the history Of Lord This exception in the
Prnyn window, which is a memorial both OF Mrs Pfuyn
compartment is The Marriage Of st. Catharne, one OF
frequent recurrence in religious art
st. Catharine, the legends say, was an Egyptian
queen who devoted herself, while still pagan, excu.
Gvcly to the study of philosophy and science greatly TO
the regret Of her ministers In tho hope Of improving
ahe administration Of public affairs, they urged her to
marry She consented on the condition Of their nnding
nor spouse combining many and varied excelcncies
that they at once despaired OF success IN tne search
she required and He the Son Of Mary. After
being instructed and baptized by the hermit
presence Of His Virgin Mother, betrohed Himself to
her, and gave her ring. After this she kept herself
sver as the bride Of Christ, and became an eminent
mint and martyr The Emperor Maximin commanded
her TO be torn to pieces between four wheels revolving
in opposite directions; but the LIGHTNING from heaven
stewards suffered death by the sword.
Such lis the substance Of the legend given by Mrs.
Jam In the picture the Saviour is represented
boy His mothers knee, and giving his hand to St.
Catharne She bends before him, holding in her right
tory, while behind hor is the spiked wheel which
designed TO be the instrument Of her torture and is
known in art as st. Catharines wheel Behind the
Virgin is the lily, emblem of purity The dress Of the
Virgin is blue, signying truth that Of st. Catharine is
ssd probably TO denote her royalty The white signifies
Bepnninp at the lowest commandment of the first win
Cow, rising 10 the middle compartment Of this and then
taking in succession the lower middle and upper com
partments of the Sherman window, have connected
series Of subjects representing Christ bearing the cross
The crucdxion the BURIAL the visit the sepulchre
In first Christ is bending under the cross moving
between two soldiers Of whom is mounted and car
es the standard, while the other scouIges the Sufferer
0aher soldiers precedo Him, while following are the
ahree Marys, HIS MOTHER her sister, the wife of Cleo
phas and Mary Magdalene with her aabastcr box.
In the second subject the CrucfxOn recognize again
he three at tho left Of the Cross the Virgin Mary
being supported by the others At the right OF the Cross
ere three Of the dscpesPctcr with the pastoral staff
John In the centre and James the right Two angels
knee at the foot of the Cross and look upward 70 the
Cxuci6edone wing Of each pointing downward and
! Mthe Sherman window the subject Of the first com.
paEtment 10 the Entombmeat The dead Christ 10 borne
ef are Mary asdaene, always 70 be recognized
% hor long hair Mary the mother Of James, and sister
- cousin 70 the Virgin, and salome.
On the right stands st. Peter with his keys; Nicodcmus
Bearing Of myrrh and alocs, about q hundred
sounds weight and ST. James
Above this Is the Visit to the Sepuchre explained by
ne inscription "Why seek ye the living among the
deadY He is not here; He Ia risen" This Is the ad
dress Of the two angels sitting on the sone one OF whom
the palm of victory, and rests his hand book
which signifies the Gospel The three women are In ati
eudes expressive Of surprise and disappointment at not
Ending the body Of their Lord
The last subject is The Ascension. The twelve Apos
DEE looking upward after the ascending Lord whose
hands arc stretched them In the act Of benedcon
Near his feet two angels looking down upon the
snen OF Gaee," and bearing scrolls inscribed This
nAme Jesus shall SO come in like manner"
No description convey adequate impression OF
he grace OF form and richness Of coorng which charac
terxe the figures and the drapcry. These windows will
cell compensate any lovers OF art for the time and trou
bls Of . very close inspection and study.