Stained Glass Panel

Item Overview

• Type: Large custom stained glass art panel
• Subject: Swimmer with dolphin, surrounded by four circular motifs of tropical fish and coral
• Medium: Cut and leaded stained glass with colored opalescent, cathedral, and textured glass types
• Dimensions: Approximately 5 feet by 5 feet
• Date: Mid-1980s (circa 1985)
• Condition: Good (no visible cracks or major structural damage)

🖼️ Description and Artistic Features

This is a large, vibrant stained glass panel depicting a striking underwater scene:

• A central female figure with flowing red hair swims alongside a black-and-white dolphin, set against a rich blue background evoking the ocean.
• Four circular insets in each corner feature marine life:
  • Top left: Green/yellow tropical fish
  • Top right: Red/yellow fish (possibly a tang or wrasse)
  • Bottom left: Coral or anemone cluster
  • Bottom right: Moorish idol or similar striped tropical fish
• The border features a geometric ribbon of alternating colors, with silvered accents that reflect light beautifully when backlit.

The work demonstrates high craftsmanship, especially in its use of:

• Layered and rippled blue glass for motion and depth
• Copper foil technique (likely) for tight, smooth seams
• Hand-cut glass forming organic curves and contours

This panel would have been a custom studio commission rather than mass-produced.

🧾 Value and Market Estimate

While not antique, this piece is collectible and desirable for its aesthetic quality, size, and decorative versatility.

💵 Estimated Market Value (as of 2025):

Sale Channel

Estimated Value

Private sale

$1,200 – $2,000

Architectural salvage/art gallery

$1,500 – $2,500

Commissioned equivalent (today)

$3,000+

🔍 Notes on Collectibility

• Era/Style: The subject matter and glass types are consistent with California Coastal or Southwest art styles from the 1980s, which are seeing a minor resurgence.
• Use Cases: Ideal for display in sunlit windows, wall-mounted as light art, or integrated into architecture.
• Framing: The current wooden frame appears intact and adds rustic charm but could be upgraded for modern installations.

✅ Authentication

Based on the materials, technique, and visual style, this appears to be an authentic, handcrafted stained glass panelfrom the 1980s. While it's unsigned (based on photos), it could have been created by a regional glass artist or workshop. If desired, identifying the studio might increase its provenance and value.

🛠️ Recommendation

No formal professional appraisal is necessary unless you plan to:

• Insure it for a high-value property
• Donate it with a tax deduction claim
• Sell it through a high-end dealer or gallery

However, if provenance can be confirmed (e.g. original commission paperwork or artist name), it may warrant a certified art glass appraisal.