Tiffany and the Lure of Egypt (recording)

Louis C. Tiffany’s lifelong fascination with Egypt began in 1870, when he traveled there as a young painter eager to capture the glorious colors of the desert and other exotic landscape scenes. This trip, and the treasures he saw, not only inspired his early paintings, but also became an enduring design influence.

Over the next few decades, Egyptian motifs, such as scarabs, papyrus, and winged suns, steadily made their way into the designs of the Tiffany Studios, appearing in virtually every decorative medium from blown and leaded glass to mosaic and metalwork. This Egyptian influence found its most spectacular expression in Tiffany’s 1913 Egyptian Fête, a grand ball that closed the social season. Four hundred of society’s most influential members, all dressed in elaborate costumes, gathered at the Tiffany Studios on Madison Avenue, where they enjoyed performances by leading actors and dancers of the day. The New York Times raved that the event “eclipsed any fancy dress function ever presented in New York."

Join Neustadt curators Lindsy Parrott and Morgan Pruden for a transportive talk with special guest Dr. Cynthia Williams, glass scholar, educator, and Neustadt Board President. Discover the origins of ‘Egyptomania,’ explore its influence over Tiffany’s own work, and delight in the spectacle of his legendary Egyptian Fête!

This is a pre-recorded program. Your ticket purchase will grant you access to the recording until January 1, 2022.

© The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass, 2021. No part of this recording may be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without written permission from The Neustadt.