As a member of the famed family of New York jewelers, Louis Comfort Tiffany enjoyed a life of
privilege. His early interest in art was nurtured and he studied with American landscape
painter George Inness. In 1868 he traveled to Paris to continue his studies, concluding them
with a grand tour of Europe and Northern Africa. Returning to the United States in 1870,
Tiffany painted a series of landscapes inspired by his European travels.
During the late 1870s, Tiffany shifted his focus from painting to stained glass. He was
intrigued by the potential of the medium, particularly the range and depth of color that could
be achieved. The exotic, richly patterned forms and sumptuous color of Islamic art were the
primary inspiration for many Tiffany's designs. In 1881 the artist founded an interior design
firm that became wildly successful, completing projects for numerous prominent clients
including the re-decoration of the White House. Tiffany's windows combined iridescent color
with the organic forms of Art Nouveau to provide the centerpiece for the firm's elaborate design
schemes.
After inheriting the family's jewelry business in 1902, Tiffany continued to design
windows, mosaics and jewelry. He is credited with introducing Art Nouveau to the American
public.
|