# Corpus Vitrearum Medii Aevi

> international art historical research company for the study of all preserved or surviving medieval stained glass

**Wikidata**: [Q1135178](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1135178)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/corpus-vitrearum-medii-aevi

## Summary
The Corpus Vitrearum Medii Aevi (CVMA) is an international research institute dedicated to the study and documentation of medieval stained glass. Founded in 1952, it operates as a collaborative network of scholars and institutions, maintaining a comprehensive catalogue of surviving stained glass artworks. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, it serves as a central authority for research and preservation in this specialized field.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: 1952  
- **Headquarters**: City of Brussels, Belgium (Rue Ducale - Hertogsstraat, 1000 postal code)  
- **Parent/Part of**: Includes regional projects such as CVMA Potsdam (established 1956 in Germany) and national branches like Corpus Vitrearum Medii Aevi. France and Deutschland.  
- **Key Identifiers**: ISNI 0000000110892012, VIAF 131209354, GND 10077714-4.  
- **Languages**: Website available in French, English, and German.  
- **Focus**: Cataloguing and studying preserved medieval stained glass globally.  

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Corpus Vitrearum Medii Aevi established?
A: The CVMA was founded in 1952 as an international initiative to document and study medieval stained glass.

### Q: Where is the CVMA based?
A: Its headquarters are located in Brussels, Belgium, at Rue Ducale - Hertogsstraat, 1000.

### Q: What does the CVMA do?
A: The organization catalogues, researches, and promotes the preservation of medieval stained glass through international collaboration and publications.

## Why It Matters
The Corpus Vitrearum Medii Aevi plays a critical role in preserving and advancing the study of medieval art and history. By systematically documenting and analysing surviving stained glass, the CVMA safeguards fragile cultural heritage that is often at risk of deterioration or loss. Its work enables art historians, conservators, and scholars to trace artistic techniques, religious iconography, and historical narratives across regions and centuries. As a global network, the CVMA fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, setting standards for research and conservation. Its catalogues and publications serve as foundational resources for academic study, ensuring that medieval stained glass—a medium central to the aesthetic and spiritual life of the Middle Ages—remains accessible and understood by contemporary audiences.

## Notable For
- **Oldest International Stained Glass Research Network**: Established in 1952, it is the longest-running initiative of its kind.  
- **Global Collaboration**: Unites scholars and institutions across Europe and beyond, including national branches in France, Germany, and the UK.  
- **Comprehensive Catalogues**: Produces detailed, standardised documentation of stained glass, often serving as the definitive reference for specific regions or collections.  
- **Interdisciplinary Approach**: Combines art history, conservation science, and historical research to contextualise medieval glass within broader cultural frameworks.  

## Body
### History and Structure
- **Founding**: The CVMA was established in 1952 as an international project under the auspices of the International Council of Museums (ICOM).  
- **Belgian Headquarters**: The central institute is located in Brussels, Belgium, at Rue Ducale - Hertogsstraat, 1000.  
- **Regional Branches**: Key affiliated projects include CVMA Potsdam (founded 1956 in Germany), Corpus Vitrearum Medii Aevi. France, and Corpus Vitrearum Medii Aevi. Deutschland.  

### Research and Publications
- **Catalogues**: The CVMA publishes exhaustive catalogues of medieval stained glass, often organised by region or thematic focus.  
- **Digital Resources**: Maintains a multilingual website (https://corpusvitrearum.org/) with research tools, databases, and access to publications.  
- **Conservation Focus**: Works with museums, churches, and cultural institutions to document and advise on the preservation of fragile glass artworks.  

### International Reach
- **Membership**: Collaborates with universities, museums, and research centres globally, including partnerships in Europe, North America, and Australia.  
- **Multilingual Scholarship**: Publishes research in French, English, and German, reflecting its international scope.  

### Identifiers and Recognition
- **Authority IDs**: Recognised by major institutions via identifiers such as VIAF 131209354, ISNI 0000000110892012, and Library of Congress Authority ID n2006054922.  
- **Academic Presence**: Indexed in scholarly databases and authority files, including BnF, IdRef, and the University of Barcelona Authority ID.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. FactGrid