Oculus depicting The Resurrection - Paolo Uccello

A circular stained glass window designed by Paolo Uccello in 1443 for the Florence Cathedral, depicting the Resurrection of Christ.

This circular stained glass window, known as an oculus, is located in the drum of the dome of Florence Cathedral. Paolo Uccello designed the cartoon for this work in 1443. The composition depicts the risen Christ, who stands centrally with his right hand raised in benediction. He holds a banner marked with a cross, a traditional symbol of his victory over death. The scene is framed by a decorative border of foliage and floral motifs, which provides a structured containment for the central narrative. Uccello, a painter known for his fascination with perspective and geometry, applied these interests to the medium of glass. The figures are arranged within the circular format to maintain balance, with sleeping guards positioned at the lower left and right. The use of lead cames creates a grid that segments the image, yet the design remains cohesive through the careful placement of colour and light. The palette relies on deep blues, reds, and golds, which are characteristic of the period's glass production. The light filtering through the glass activates the colours, allowing the figures to appear against the dark background of the cathedral interior. This work demonstrates the integration of painting techniques into the craft of stained glass, reflecting the collaborative nature of artistic production in fifteenth-century Florence. The figures exhibit the anatomical clarity and drapery treatment typical of Uccello's style, showing his ability to adapt his draughtsmanship to the constraints of a circular frame.