River and Valley of Life

• Types of glass: 1. Opalescent 2. Mottled 3. Wispy
• No painting
• Multiple layers

This is another classic example of a River of Life window in which Tiffany used flowers, trees, water and mountains in varying colors and textures of glass along with plating to depict the sublime beauty of nature. The window is dramatic and yet serene at the same time. The lush scene is viewed through a canopy of birch trees with irises in the foreground and majestic mountains in the distance. The river is central to the composition. Stained glass lends itself to luminous light effects as seen here in the sky and on the water.

Special Features

• No paint was used to add detail. The modeling, texture, and form were created solely with glass.
• This window consists of copper foil construction, which lends itself to a realistic depiction of nature in contrast to the linear appearance of leading.
• The sky and its reflection were achieved through acid etching.