Isaiah and Micah 1

1981 – Washington National Cathedral – Nave Clerestory

The Isaiah Window was done in two iterations. The first installed in 1981 and the second in 2015.

Perhaps the first thing to notice about this window is that it is dark, especially the left most lancet.  This was done consciously and the decisions made before the window was started in 1973 were not resolved until 2015.  Thinking about the design for the Nave Clerestory windows began in 1968 when Dean Sayer and the Building Committee developed a plan for the 18 clerestory windows.  According to a paper by cathedral docent Doug Gustafson, “At this point they were not focusing on iconography or style questions but primarily on how much light should be let in at various positions in the Cathedral’s Nave and taking into account the difference in outside light sources between northern and southern exposures and internal structural considerations as well.”  Their idea was to make the windows closer to the crossing darker so the choir did not look so dark.  You can hear Rowan talk about this in the video below.

Work on the window actually began in 1973, at which time Rowan and Dieter Goldkuhle worked on the left lancet.  It was soon put aside so Rowan and Dieter could focus on the West Rose.  A friend of the cathedral, Marc Fetterman says, “After the west rose, Dieter and Rowan parted company (one of several times this happened).”

It was not until 1980 that work on the window resumed and Rowan enlisted the help of artist Richard Avidon, who did some of the painting, and also Mel Greenland and his studio to do the fabrication and installation.  Marc says that, “ Richard Avidon’s right (western) lancet is intentionally darker glass to harmonize with Dieter’s left lancet,” and Mary Higgins comments that, “Rowan found a different kind of partner in artist Richard Avidon, who usually worked with Mel Greenland’s studio since they were both in NYC.  Richard’s color selections contain subtle transitions across the entire window.”  

Once the window was in place, it was clear to everyone that it was too dark.  In fact, the cathedral got many complaints about it and it earned the nickname, “The Black Window.”  Remember, however, that working on a window in isolation, using only your imagination and experience can be quite a challenge.  So Rowan created this window with the intention of being dark, he just went to far in that direction.  The window remained in place until 2015, when a new window Rowan created replaced it, but that is another story. 

What was not replace was the multifoil of “The Watchman” at the top of the window.  Below are some details taken of this window that show it scale and some of the beautiful paint that was done on the window. 

Thanks to Doug, Marc, Mary and Richard for help in getting the story right on this window.

Iconography

The two main figures featured in the window are the prophets Micah, in the center-left, and Isaiah in the center-right lancet. Micah, with one hand is pointing down to a city in flames predicting what would happen to an unrepentant Jerusalem, and with the other hand is pointing up to a bountiful olive tree, symbolizing the fruits of lives well lived.  Isaiah is reacting in fright to the appearance of an angel who is about to scorch his lips with a hot ember, purifying his mouth and preparing him for prophesizing.   The two side lancets are decorative half moons that are difficult to see but contain beautiful color and glass.  The multifoil at the top illustrates the text of Isaiah, “Watchman, what of the night?” The Watchman is pointing to the east and the rising sun, symbolizing the coming of the savior, the light of the world.

Thanks to Doug, Marc, Mary and Richard for help in getting the story right on this window.

Year Completed

1981

Artists

Rowan LeCompte

Fabricator

Melville Greenland and Richard Avidon

Location In Building

South Clerestory Bay 8