Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Frederick Wilson died in 1932; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 2002.
In context
Design for double window — Frederick Wilson
The original measures 26 × 31 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 74 at death.
Painted when the artist was 50. The artist lived to 74. 6 of the 11 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of Frederick Wilson (1858–1932) ▲ this work, 1908 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1896 Main working years: 1896–1919 Late works: from 1919
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: artsdot.com/en/art/similar/frederick-wilson-design-for-double-window-D32C4U-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Quinacridone Magenta #785e44
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 11 works by this artist, of which 5 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
Artist and museum
Born in Dublin, Ireland
Frederick Wilson (1858 – 1932) stands as a pivotal figure in the history of British stained glass artistry, particularly during its flourishing period in America. Born in Dublin to English parents, Charles and Elizabeth Wilson, his early life instilled within him an appreciation for craftsmanship and artistic expression that would define his illustrious career spanning over five decades. Moving to England later, Wilson honed his skills as a designer and craftsman, establishing himself as ‘known and accepted as an important artist in his field,’ leaving behind a legacy of breathtaking ecclesiastical windows and decorative objects that continue to inspire admiration today.
Early Life & Training: Wilson’s formative years were spent absorbing the artistic traditions of Dublin, where he gained invaluable experience working alongside skilled artisans. This exposure undoubtedly nurtured his innate talent for intricate design and meticulous execution – qualities that would prove crucial to his future endeavors.
Tiffany Studios Collaboration: Wilson's professional breakthrough arrived with his association with Louis Comfort Tiffany Studios in New York City. He became a celebrated designer of monumental stained glass windows, contributing significantly to the aesthetic grandeur of iconic buildings like St. John’s Episcopal Church in Cornwall, NY and the Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis, MD. His designs skillfully blended Gothic Revival influences with Art Nouveau sensibilities, reflecting the broader artistic currents of the era.
Notable Achievements: Wilson's contribution extended beyond ecclesiastical commissions; he created exquisite decorative objects – chandeliers, lamps, and panels – showcasing his mastery of glassblowing techniques and sculptural artistry. The Forbes Memorial Window at St. Saviour’s Cathedral in Brooklyn exemplifies his exceptional skill and artistic vision.
Wilson's aesthetic was firmly rooted in the Victorian era, characterized by opulent ornamentation and a fascination with natural forms. He skillfully employed techniques such as etching, enameling, and gilding to elevate glass into a medium of unparalleled beauty and sophistication. His designs frequently incorporated stylized floral motifs—roses, lilies, and irises—representing purity, grace, and divine love – themes that resonated deeply within the spiritual context of his commissions. The meticulous attention to detail evident in his creations underscores his commitment to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Tiffany Studios Influence: Tiffany’s innovative use of colored glass and dramatic lighting profoundly impacted Wilson's artistic sensibilities, encouraging him to experiment with bold palettes and inventive compositions.
Decorative Objects: Beyond stained glass windows, Wilson produced stunning chandeliers and lamps that showcased his sculptural prowess and mastery of glassblowing. These pieces often featured elaborate geometric patterns combined with organic forms—leaves, branches, and blossoms—creating harmonious visual experiences.
Frederick Wilson’s work stands as a testament to the enduring power of craftsmanship and artistic vision during the Victorian period. His stained glass windows continue to illuminate churches across America and beyond, transporting viewers into realms of ethereal beauty and spiritual contemplation. Furthermore, his sculptures—particularly ‘The Spirit of Detroit,’ commissioned for the revitalization of downtown Detroit—demonstrate his versatility as an artist and solidify his place among the most influential sculptors of his time. Wilson’s legacy extends beyond individual artworks; he embodies the spirit of artistic innovation and dedication to preserving cultural heritage – qualities that continue to inspire artists and scholars alike.
For a deeper understanding of Frederick Wilson's oeuvre, consider visiting Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum in Michigan or exploring The President Woodrow Wilson House in Washington D.C., where his designs are prominently displayed. Also, delve into the archives of Judson Studios to examine original design drawings and photographs documenting his creative process. Finally, immerse yourself in the beauty of ‘Iago’ at Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum.
artsdot.com/en/art/download/frederick-wilson-design-for-double-window-D32C4U-en/
Look closely
Design for double window — Frederick Wilson
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
The colors of "Design for double window" by Frederick Wilson show a unified palette harmony. Harmony describes how the colors relate to each other.
A Stats page exists for "Design for double window". It charts the monthly visits of the artwork and of the artist's other works, with country and language breakdowns.
The diaporama of "Design for double window" can be watched on the artwork's Diaporama page.