Adoration of the Magi
Tiffany Studios|Louis C. Tiffany
ca. 1915–16 · Watercolor, gouache, pen and ink, and graphite on pebble finish matt board in original decorated matt with shaped tracery window openings · The American Wing
In 1916 Tiffany Studios completely redecorated the interior of the historic Christ Church of Brooklyn, built by the renowned architect and parishioner Richard Upjohn. This drawing of the wall behind the altar features Tiffany’s “Adoration of the Magi” window framed by decorative mosaic work depicting saints in elaborate Gothic niches. These figures posed unique challenges for the mosaicist, who had to select and shape countless tiny pieces of glass to achieve the desired effects of shading and volume. The drawing is remarkable for its construction, which suggests the three-dimensionality of the inset windows. The mosaic and the patterned wall are painted on a board that is cut away in the shape of the windows, revealing the design for the “Adoration of the Magi” below.
- Artist
- Tiffany Studios|Louis C. Tiffany
- Date
- ca. 1915–16
- Medium
- Watercolor, gouache, pen and ink, and graphite on pebble finish matt board in original decorated matt with shaped tracery window openings
- Culture
- American
- Department
- The American Wing
- Credit line
- Purchase, Walter Hoving and Julia T. Weld Gifts and Dodge Fund, 1967
