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Lot Essay
Tiffany Studios frequently incorporated peacock imagery into their works. See Christie's New York, June 10, 1996, lots 216-229 for a group of 'Peacock' lighting fixtures commissioned from the Studios by a prominent West Coast philanthropist in 1914 for a California ranch whose grounds were abundant with peacocks. The chandelier from this group featured a shade surmounted by a bronze frieze cast as six peacocks separated by acorn and leaf branches in copper and gilt-patinas. The 'eyes' of the peacocks' feathers were composed of vibrant mosaic glass to accentuate their fanned tails.
Another unusual peacock was offered at Christie's New York, May 24, 1979, lot 228. Purchased from the Studios at 46 West 23rd Street, New York by Mrs. Lillian Geer's sister for her Baltimore, Maryland, home in the early 1930s, an iridescent mosaic glass and bronze peacock, cast in full relief with spreading wings and positioned in front of an arched frieze inset in leaded glass with mosaic glass peacock plumage, also displayed iridescent tesserae amongst the multi-colored feathers. Since there was no record to indicate whether the sculpturally designed peacock was taken to the 23rd Street Studios from Laurelton Hall, the impressive size and quality of the piece, which enclosed a light socket at the rear, indicate that if it was not executed for Tiffany's home, it was intended for a special client.
The pair of peacocks offered here are apparently part of a larger decorative scheme and, as with the examples cited above, are undoubtedly for a special commission.
Another unusual peacock was offered at Christie's New York, May 24, 1979, lot 228. Purchased from the Studios at 46 West 23rd Street, New York by Mrs. Lillian Geer's sister for her Baltimore, Maryland, home in the early 1930s, an iridescent mosaic glass and bronze peacock, cast in full relief with spreading wings and positioned in front of an arched frieze inset in leaded glass with mosaic glass peacock plumage, also displayed iridescent tesserae amongst the multi-colored feathers. Since there was no record to indicate whether the sculpturally designed peacock was taken to the 23rd Street Studios from Laurelton Hall, the impressive size and quality of the piece, which enclosed a light socket at the rear, indicate that if it was not executed for Tiffany's home, it was intended for a special client.
The pair of peacocks offered here are apparently part of a larger decorative scheme and, as with the examples cited above, are undoubtedly for a special commission.