The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-01-13
AN ARTIST IN STAINED GLASS.
Some Beautiful Examples OF window
Mosaic in Memphis

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Mosaic in Memphis.
One of the oldest and earliest OF the arts
that has come down TO the present era l.
that OF glassmaking. Recent discoveries
and the uncoveringo long buried cities and
tombs show that, from tho earliest times
engraved glass and glass with colors beau
tiiully and artistically fixed, were common
among the wealthier and more polished
nations At least 1000 years ago the arr
of glass-making and glass ornamentation
was developed at Rome and other cities
under Roman rule to point OF excellence
that has never been expelled, even il
cqualcd. There is tho most indisputable
proof that glass was used more extensively
and for moro purposes by the Romans Of
the imperial period than by any people
Mt the present day, II came into more
every day and universal use, being among
other things largely used for payoments,
aud beautifully ornanlented for coating
walls. In truth, tho invention and in
genuity Of application and design OF the
Roman artist was most remarkable. Com
binations OF Colors were effected, as they
still are, In one Of two ways-flrst, by
glass Of two or more colors being combined
so as TO traverse the entire substance OF
the object; and, second, by the superposition
Of one color or the other and then blend
ing by means OF intense heat. To the first
method belongs TIE mosaic glass orna-
mcntation made 80 largely in early times
at Constantinoplc and Ravcnna. The re-
yival OF pointed architecture reproduced
the manufacture OF colorcd glass windows,
in which England, France, Belgium and
Germany have riyaled each other. While
the manufacture Of colorod glass and glass
painting was known TO tho early Egyp-
tians, its use as mosaic in windows with
an enamel fixed by fire, is emphatically
medieval and Christian art They were
largely used in Byzantine art as early as
the sixth century. Probably the oldest
glass painting now existing in Europe is u
window of tho eleventh century in
church ut Ncuwillor, in Alsaco, represent
ing st. Timothy and which shows how
thoroughly the workman knew and loved
his art. The thirteenth century produced
the finest specimens OF mosaic windows
now TO bc found. Designs were made by
the most celebrated artists whose names
iill the roll OF immortals, and copper and
silver and gold, beaten and powdered,
were used 10 fix the ever.enduring colors.
This work Of art mosaics for church and
house ornamcntation has been used 10
some extent in this country, and Is com.
ing into favor among the cultivated and
wealthy homes. There arc some very
fine specimens OF this work, as
artistic M can be found in any
city, in Nashville, executed by a
Memphis artist, who has also done some
work in this city that cannot be surpassed
anywhere. J. j. Duffy kindly took me
out TO his home, conner Of Jefferson and
Manassas, and showed 10 mo some most
lovely work Of this artist. There were two
large windows OF beautiful Egyptian mo-
SAFE, and one giving largo picture OF n
maiden charming the birds aud bringing
them To her with the music Of n mandolin.
She stands In garden with fountain
playing, and the water falling into mar
bic basin, with tho birds. some nj her feet,
some luttcring In the air and some Ia the
vines and rose bushes around her. Tho
punches OF grapes are perfectly formed Of
ruby and opal glass, aud the roses are cut,
each leaf from glass Of the most exquisite
colors, forming picture Of sparkling love-
illness, that no painting rbuld equal. The
transoms over the windows and doom. were
Of the tinted vonitian glass. ~ noted for its
purity Of color, lighiness and strength. and
with the panels Of tho front door were
taslily bcdeckcd with Jewels, opals, rubios.
snpphircs, etc, cut In facets from cXquis.
itcly colofed glass, style Of work invented
and perfected by the Egyptians 1000 or
more years ago, aud also brought To n
great state OF perfection by the Chinese.
Gao most beautiful aud unique artistic gem
was panel window in the parlor, set
Ia the center OF the chimney (which passes
through the outer wall oi tho housed, a
rich Hover picture set with Jewels, and
which when the room Is lighted at night
beams forth most attractive welcome OF
sparkling beauty 10 tho coming visitor.
All this work u exquisite beauty aud per.
feet art h the product oi Memphis work.
man. John Hughes, whose place OF bust.
ness, corner Of Thlrl and Jefferson, looks
like = bit Of iliryland. lilo most kindly
explained 10 me the processes OF making
these windows. all OF whicharoo Of imported
glass, Tut OF designs made here and
painted, cnamelcd and fixed in his own
furnace. GTat experience, patience aud
the most accurate TASTE h needed 10 pro-
duce and perfect this woodwork that
cannot he oXcellcd for bca " or pcrma-
ncnco anywhere In the United States. Tx.
pcricncc shows that mosaic painted aud
enamcled windows, u duly cared for. will
last ior centuries Persons OF artistic aud
cultivated taste will lind cordial wei.
come aud much 10 interest and delight
thcm al the workshop OF Mr.. Hughes.
kAtAKAuA