An American "Iris, Lily and Cattail" Window

Private Collection, Ansonia Hotel, New York
Sotheby's New York, November 19, 1994, lot 605
Private Collection, New York
Sotheby's New York, June 8, 2005, lot 179
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Overall very good condition. Please note that we are showing the reverse of the window in the catalogue illustration. The copper foil leading and border caming is painted on both sides with a green pigment which appears to be original to the window, with some occasional losses to the pigment throughout. There are a few small and minor isolated areas where the copper foil leading appears to have been stabilized. The panel is selectively plated on both the front and back side to enhance the visual depth of the panel. There are a few isolated areas of plating above the bottom border on the front side of the border that appear to have losses to the outermost plate glass and surrounding copper foil, all relatively minor and only visible upon close inspection. The window appears to have its original iron frame, with several generations of paints and scattered traces of corrosion visible under the paint and to the original reinforcement bars, commensurate with age and exposure. In some of the red-purple glass articulating the grapes in the perimeter borders, there is evidence of devitrification, which is inherent in the natural ageing process of the glass and is most commonly seen in this color hues, not visually distracting. The glass tiles with some scattered hairline cracks throughout, all seemingly stable and a few minor flecks along the edges, not visually distracting and consistent with age and gentle handling of the panel. An outstanding window, displaying an exquisite selection of colors and glass and an artistic subject matter.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.