Late 19th Century John La Farge Stained Glass Door With Scroll Centerpiece

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John LaFarge (1835-1910) was a pioneer in the world of stained glass art. His innovative techniques revolutionized the craft, including … Read more John LaFarge (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. LaFarge’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 LaFarge’s artistic breakthroughs. While Tiffany is often credited with popularizing opalescent glass, it was LaFarge who first developed this technique, which Tiffany expanded upon. Tiffany’s designs, marked by fluid lines and nature-inspired themes, borrowed heavily from LaFarge’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 excited to offer another stunning John La Farge stained glass door, a rare piece of artistry from the early 20th century. Like its counterpart, this door features the iconic dolphins at the bottom, their tails elegantly intertwined. However, the tips of the dolphins’ tails in this particular door form a beautiful scroll at the center of the shield. The meaning behind this scrolling design is open to interpretation, possibly symbolizing wisdom, continuity, or a journey unfolding—a true mystery left to the beholder.

This door differs slightly from the other in that it does not have the bordering yellow stained glass pieces, giving it a unique frame and focus. At the top, delicate, pomegranate-like jeweled stained glass flowers still add a touch of opulence and color to the design.

As with the previous door, this piece was salvaged from a set of over 10 doors, as shown in the photos, which sold for over $390,000. This is a rare opportunity to own an exceptional example of John La Farge’s genius, with rich colors and fluid Art Nouveau forms that capture light and beauty in every detail. See less