1890s John La Farge Stained Glass Door, Three Shells in Shield, With Dolphins & Pomegranate Motif

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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.

This is an incredibly rare opportunity to own an original stained glass door attributed to John La Farge, dating to around 1890. Featuring breathtaking Art Nouveau stained glass, the entire set includes a center panel with a majestic eagle or Phoenix(sold separately), a left panel with a scroll inside a shield, and a right panel with three Neoclassical-style shells within a shield(sold separate), while the bottom sections of the flanking panels showcase exquisite dolphin motifs—a highly sought-after element in La Farge’s work. A true pioneer of opalescent glass, La Farge’s stained glass pieces are housed in prestigious museums, and original works of this caliber rarely come to market. This set was part of a larger collection that previously sold for over $390,000, highlighting its historical and artistic significance. In remarkable condition for its age, the glass retains its exceptional vibrancy, craftsmanship, and depth. This may be the only chance to acquire a masterpiece of American stained glass art.

This sale is for ONE door sold with the scroll inside a shield motif. Other doors are available for purchase in a separate listing. See less