Design for tomb monument
Louis C. Tiffany American
Possibly Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company American
Possibly Tiffany Studios
Not on view
In many design drawings, Tiffany Studio designers employed a number of ingenious techniques to facilitate their work. One example is this monumental design for a tombstone, composed of two photographs collaged together and enhanced with gouache, crayon, and graphite. Using these techniques, the designer achieved a remarkable degree of detail and depth. In addition to the technical mastery, the overall composition of the design is intended to provide the bereaved with a sense of consolation. The biblical quotation included in the lower register of the tombstone, “The spirit shall return unto God who gave it” (Ecc.12: 7), evokes thoughts of immortality. Its use indicates that the dove being received into the hands of the angel may represent the soul of the loved one who has passed into the arms of Heaven.
