Antique Stained Glass Portrait Bishop James Fraser Manchester Victorian Panel
Antique Stained Glass Portrait - Bishop James Fraser of Manchester - 19th Century. Framed antique stained glass ecclesiastical medallion centering a hand-painted, kiln-fired vitreous enamel portrait of The Rt. A superb example of late Victorian portrait glass work, likely produced as a commemorative piece following Fraser's death in 1885. High-craft portraiture was common in English ecclesiastical commissions of the period, and the quality here is exceptional. Depth in the portrait is achieved through expert layering of kiln-fired vitreous enamels with a paint wipe-back technique applied to both the front and rear of the glass, with what appears to be asphaltum used for the dark tonal passages.
The central medallion is set against painted ruby-flashed glass decorated with scrollwork, ringed by a pale blue glass border, and surrounded by a decorative field of curved lead scroll work in opalescent and pale green glass. The full assembly measures approximately 20 inches tall by 18.5 inches wide. The panel sits in a non-magnetic metal channel frame, consistent with mid-20th century architectural salvage framing, added when the piece was removed from its original installation. There are several small cracks through the small filler pieces which do not grossly affect the display and the leadwork is fully cemented with no movement or rattle.Acquired through The Wrecking Bar, the well-known Atlanta architectural antiques dealer, whose label remains affixed to the frame. Heavy duty nylon cabling will be left attached as shown; easy to remove if desired. Structural: Very heavy at approximately 26 lbs. Fully stable with no rattling or loose cames throughout. Glass: Period stained glass with characteristic seeds, varied opacities, and surface texture.
Several tight stress cracks present in the border and background glass, consistent with century-old architectural salvage. All pieces are held firmly in lead. Please examine close-up images carefully. Portraiture: Vitreous enamel portrait remains vivid and intact. Fine stippling and dual-sided paint application are clear and undisturbed; natural paint brush marks visible in asphaltum. Patina: Natural lead carbonate oxidation present in lead crevices. Due to the significant weight and nature of glass, this piece will be packed with high-density foam, rigid edge protectors, and reinforced boxing.