Lamp Shade (?) 1893 - 1896

This is Louis Comfort Tiffany's "Lamp Shade (?)," currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The shade, standing just over 14 inches tall, presents a compelling study in contrasting forms and textures. The glass body of the shade swells with an organic fluidity, its surface alive with swirling patterns of iridescent blues, purples, and greens against a milky, opalescent background. These chromatic undulations create a captivating sense of movement, almost as if the glass itself is in constant flux. This ethereal quality contrasts sharply with the lamp's base, constructed from patinated metal. Its dense, filigree-like structure, seems to anchor the shade. Tiffany's mastery lies in his ability to synthesize seemingly disparate elements into a harmonious whole. The lamp transcends mere functionality, becoming a dynamic interplay of light, color, and form. The base provides a grounding counterpoint to the shade's ethereal qualities, allowing us to think about the relationship between the earthly and the sublime.