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Portion of a lighting fixture, possibly from the entrance hall, H.O. Havemeyer house, New York

Louis Comfort Tiffany

Artwork Details

Portion of a lighting fixture, possibly from the entrance hall, H.O. Havemeyer house, New York
1890-1891
Louis Comfort Tiffany
silver, gilt bronze and opalescent favrile glass
30 in (76.2 cm);x 30 in x 76.2 cm;x 4 ¾ in x 12.07 cm
University purchase 1930, transferred to the Museum of Art, 1986.146.5
1986.146.5

Description

March 28, 2009
Although this work was described in the Anderson Galleries auction catalogue as a centerpiece, its size makes it unlikely that it was used on a table. The most recent speculation is that it was a lighting fixture, but it is unclear whether it would have been a wall or a ceiling fixture. Because of the peacock tail motif, it is tempting to imagine that it might have been located in the entrance hall of the house to complement the peacock mosaic, although existing photos of the foyer do not confirm its position.

Subject Matter:

It is unknown where in the Havemeyer house this fragment of a light fixture was installed; also unknown was the globe or other treatment at the center of the design.

Physical Description:

Slivered metal roundel shape with a center opening for a glass globe (suggested). Along the outer perimeter of the roundel are opalescant convex glass shapes evocative of peacock tail feathers.

Usage Rights:

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