Accession Number
1986.146.7

Title
Air return grill from the Henry O. Havemeyer house, New York

Artist(s)
Louis Comfort Tiffany

Object Creation Date
1890-1891

Medium & Support
silver-plated copper, brass and iron with glass rods

Dimensions
26 1/16 in x 32 ¾ in x 1 in (66.2 cm x 83.19 cm x 2.54 cm);26 1/16 in x 32 ¾ in x 1 in (66.2 cm x 83.19 cm x 2.54 cm)

Credit Line
University purchase 1930, transferred to the Museum of Art, 1986.146.7

Label copy
March 28, 2009
Like the balustrade fragment, this air return grill is an example of how Tiffany combined machine-made and glass components into a rich composition. This utilitarian object consists of rods of glass that are interwoven with silver-plated strips of metal. The metal frame is ornamented with an off-the-shelf chain that forms the perimeter of the grill.

Subject matter
As with the balustrade fragment, the air return grill combines opulent components in conjunction with prefabricated elements, such as the chain that forms the framing edge of the grill.

Physical Description
Abstract design within a rectangular metal frame consisting of vertical glass rods of milky white and smoky greenish glass. Holding those rods in place are diagonally-woven silvered flat metal strips.

Primary Object Classification
Decorative Arts

Primary Object Type
architectural element

Collection Area
Western

Rights
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Keywords
architectural elements
grilles (barrier elements)