Jubal and Miriam

John Haynes-Williams, 1843

MEDIUMStained glass window; vitreous glass paint, enamel paint, silver stain
DIMENSIONS19 ft. 1 in. × 10 ft. 1 in. (581.7 × 307.3 cm)
LOCATIONThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
COLLECTIONThe American Wing
CULTUREAmerican
CREDIT LINEPurchase, Sansbury-Mills Fund, Anonymous Bequest, Sylvia and Leonard Marx Jr., and Lillian Nassau LLC Gifts, 2019

Stop to admire this colossal stained glass window, a vibrant 19th-century masterpiece celebrating the biblical figures of Jubal and Miriam, the originators of music and dance. Its immense scale and dazzling colors transform light into a story of ancient praise.

Get the full experience in Art Whisper
Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store
ABOUT THIS WORK

This monumental stained glass window, towering over 19 feet, depicts the biblical figures of Jubal and Miriam, revered for their contributions to music and dance. Jubal, often considered the "father of all who play stringed instruments and pipes," is shown with a lyre, while Miriam, prophetess and sister of Moses, holds a tambourine. The vibrant colors and intricate details, achieved through vitreous glass paint, enamel paint, and silver stain, capture the spirit of praise and celebration. Created in 1843, the window's grandeur reflects the Victorian era's appreciation for elaborate religious art and its revival of medieval stained glass techniques. The figures are rendered with a sense of classical dignity, their flowing robes and expressive gestures conveying the power of their musical offerings. The sheer scale and luminosity of the piece would have transformed the light within any space it occupied, creating an immersive, spiritual experience.

LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

Jubal's lyre, with its delicate strings and carved frame.

2

Miriam's tambourine, detailed with a patterned rim.

3

The intricate folds and rich colors of their flowing robes.

2 more details waiting — unlock in Art Whisper
Audio Deep Dive

Stop to admire this colossal stained glass window, a vibrant 19th-century masterpiece celebrating the biblical figures of Jubal and Miriam, the originators of…

Hear the full story in the app
THE ARTIST
John Haynes-Williams 1836–1908 · United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

John Haynes-Williams was a British painter known for his detailed oil paintings, including works like 'Alice' from 1892.

Read John's full story in Art Whisper
See something wrong?
Open the App