Skip to Content
Today Open today 11–5

  • Mon 11–5
  • Tue–Wed Closed
  • Thu 11–8
  • Fri–Sun 11–5
  • Members: the first hour of every day, 10–11 a.m., is reserved for member–only viewing.

Fireplace Surround

A work made of oak and glazed earthenware.
CC0 Public Domain Designation

Image actions

  • A work made of oak and glazed earthenware.

Date:

1901

Artist:

Designed by George Washington Maher
American, 1864–1926
Made by Louis J. Millet
American, 1855–1923

About this artwork

Prairie School architect George Washington Maher worked for Joseph Lyman Silsbee before striking out on his own. During this period Maher developed a system of design that he called the “motif rhythm theory,” in which he created a signature motif to harmonize the interior and exterior of a house through the repetition of decorative details based on local natural forms. He frequently collaborated with Louis J. Millet on his commissions, including the Patrick J. King House (1901), from which this fireplace surround came. This extraordinary object is composed of glass mosaics and features one of Maher’s most prominent motifs, the stylized thistle. It is delicately rendered in shades ranging from pale seafoam green to vibrant greens, blues, and yellows. The fireplace surround is an outstanding example of Millet’s exacting execution of Maher’s designs.

Status

On View, Gallery 178

Department

Arts of the Americas

Artist

George Washington Maher

Title

Fireplace Surround

Place

United States (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1901

Medium

Oak and glazed earthenware

Dimensions

Surround: 130.8 × 209.6 cm (51 1/2 × 82 1/2 in.); Mosaic: 111.8 × 162.6 cm (44 × 64 in.); Opening: 76.2 × 90.2 cm (30 × 35 1/2 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Alan Wanzenberg in memory of Jed Johnson

Reference Number

2011.105

IIIF Manifest  The International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) represents a set of open standards that enables rich access to digital media from libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural institutions around the world.

Learn more.

https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/208516/manifest.json

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

Share

Sign up for our enewsletter to receive updates.
Learn more

Image actions

Share

Suggested Terms