Working drawing for a lampshade
Agnes Northrop began working for Tiffany in the 1880s and soon became one of his lead designers. She primarily designed stained glass windows, favoring landscapes and gardens for her subject matter. She also created designs for other media, including silk lampshades. An inscription on this watercolor reveals that it was a "Working Drawing for Lamp Shade–Stencil on Silk" produced by Northrop. She sketched and painted lampshade panels featuring two versions of stylized pink Sweet William flowers. Only one of these designs was likely to be selected for the final product. She carefully outlined the blossoms, stems, and leaves in a stencil-like manner before adding the watercolors. The drawing is notable as both a rare signed work of Northrop’s and as an example of a Tiffany stenciled silk lampshade design.
Artwork Details
- Title: Working drawing for a lampshade
- Artist: Louis C. Tiffany (American, New York 1848–1933 New York)
- Designer: Agnes F. Northrop (American, Flushing, New York 1857–1953 New York, New York)
- Maker: Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company (American, 1892–1902)
- Maker: or Tiffany Studios (1902–32)
- Date: 1892-1932
- Geography: Made in New York, United States
- Culture: American
- Medium: Watercolor on tan wove paper
- Dimensions: 10 5/8 × 12 1/2 in. (27 × 31.8 cm)
Mat: 14 1/4 × 19 1/4 in. (36.2 × 48.9 cm) - Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1953
- Object Number: 53.679.1810
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
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