Louis Comfort Tiffany

American, 1848-1933

Louis Comfort Tiffany was an American artist and designer best known for his work in decorative arts and his role in defining the Art Nouveau aesthetic in the United States. The son of Charles Lewis Tiffany, founder of the renowned jewelry firm, he carved out his own path across multiple disciplines, including glassmaking, painting, interior design, and ceramics. 

Tiffany studied painting under George Inness and Samuel Coleman before turning to decorative arts, where he became a leading figure in stained glass innovation. He developed new techniques in opalescent and iridescent glass, establishing the distinctive style now associated with Tiffany Studios. His work embraced nature-inspired motifs, fluid lines, and rich color—hallmarks of the Art Nouveau movement. 

A member and later associate of the National Academy of Design, Tiffany exhibited widely and completed major commissions for public and private interiors across the U.S. His legacy endures in both museum collections and architectural landmarks, where his craftsmanship continues to reflect a uniquely American vision of beauty and design.