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Air return grill from the Henry O. Havemeyer house, New York

Louis Comfort Tiffany

Artwork Details

Air return grill from the Henry O. Havemeyer house, New York
1890-1891
Louis Comfort Tiffany
silver-plated copper, brass and iron with glass rods
26 x 32 3/4 x 1 in. (66.20 x 83.19 x 2.54 cm);26 1/16 in x 32 ¾ in x 1 in (66.2 cm x 83.19 cm x 2.54 cm)
University purchase 1930, transferred to the Museum of Art, 1986.146.7
1986.146.7

On Display

Tiffany: Between Taubman I doors

Tags

Description

March 28, 2009
Like the balustrade fragment, this air return grill is an example of how Tiffany combined machine-made and glass components into a rich composition. This utilitarian object consists of rods of glass that are interwoven with silver-plated strips of metal. The metal frame is ornamented with an off-the-shelf chain that forms the perimeter of the grill.

Subject Matter:

As with the balustrade fragment, the air return grill combines opulent components in conjunction with prefabricated elements, such as the chain that forms the framing edge of the grill.

Physical Description:

Abstract design within a rectangular metal frame consisting of vertical glass rods of milky white and smoky greenish glass. Holding those rods in place are diagonally-woven silvered flat metal strips.

Usage Rights:

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