Late 19th Century, John La Farge Stained Glass Door With Dolphins and Fish

Description

History of La Farge:
John La Farge (1835-1910) was a pioneer in the world of stained glass art. His innovative … more History of La Farge:
John La Farge (1835-1910) was a pioneer in the world of stained glass art. His innovative techniques revolutionized the craft, including his use of opalescent glass, which allowed for a vibrant spectrum of colors without the need for traditional paint on the glass. His stained glass windows became renowned for their painterly qualities, with deep, layered hues that captured light in a way never seen before. La Farge’s work, deeply rooted in religious and symbolic themes, gained widespread acclaim in churches and private estates across the U.S. One of his notable contributions was the introduction of “plating,” a method of layering multiple pieces of glass to create depth and color variation.

Louis Comfort Tiffany, an icon in his own right, was profoundly influenced by La Farge’s artistic breakthroughs. While Tiffany is often credited with popularizing opalescent glass, it was La Farge who first developed this technique, which Tiffany expanded upon. Tiffany’s designs, marked by fluid lines and nature-inspired themes, borrowed heavily from La Farge’s innovations, particularly his ability to manipulate light and color through glass. The rivalry between the two pushed the boundaries of stained glass craftsmanship, with each artist striving for excellence in both design and technique.


We are proud to present a single extraordinary John La Farge stained glass door, an exceptional piece of American stained glass artistry. This magnificent window showcases La Farge’s mastery, featuring breathtaking dolphins at the bottom, their tails gracefully intertwined as they ascend toward the centerpiece. The tips of the dolphins’ tails meet at a stunning central shield design, where two fish are beautifully depicted inside the shield, circling one another in perfect symmetry.

At the top of the window, delicate, pomegranate-like jeweled stained glass flowers add a touch of elegance and opulence. The entire composition exudes a sophisticated 1920s Art Nouveau style, with flowing forms and rich color combinations that are among the finest we’ve ever seen. This door was separated from a set of over 10 doors, as shown in the photos, which sold for over $390,000. We have salvaged two of the original doors, and this listing is for one of them, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of history and unparalleled craftsmanship from one of the most revered figures in stained glass art.

The glass panel itself measures about 68" x 18" less