Art Deco Stained Glass Panel Depicting Runners in Motion, Belgium, 1910s

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Description

A rare and luminous celebration of early 20th-century athleticism, this stained glass panel, crafted in Belgium around 1910, captures the … Read more A rare and luminous celebration of early 20th-century athleticism, this stained glass panel, crafted in Belgium around 1910, captures the grace and energy of two runners mid-stride, rendered in vivid glass and tin. Set within an oval cartouche, the figures are depicted in vintage athletic attire, their bodies angled forward in rhythmic motion as they traverse a stylized landscape of trees and hills. The scene evokes the spirit of progress, vitality, and modernity that defined the cultural optimism of the pre-war era.

Surrounding the central vignette is a geometric frame composed of pastel green, yellow, and blue glass segments, outlined in bold black leading. The interplay of figuration and abstraction reflects the early Art Deco aesthetic, where movement and symmetry meet decorative refinement. The craftsmanship is meticulous, with hand-cut glass pieces and subtle shading that lend depth and dynamism to the composition.

This panel would have originally adorned a public hall, athletic club, or private interior celebrating the rise of sport as both spectacle and symbol. It stands today as a testament to Belgium’s rich stained glass tradition and the early visual culture of physical excellence.

Condition: Good antique condition with age-appropriate patina. A small crack at the bottom edge (see photo); structurally stable and visually intact.
Provenance: Private Belgian collection.

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