Art Nouveau Sculpture Appraisal

Stained Glass Sailboat Sculpture

This item is a decorative table-top sailboat sculpture, crafted primarily from stained glass or a similar colored glass, giving it a somewhat translucent and reflective quality. The glass panels, which form the hull and sails, display a warm, amber or golden-bronze hue, suggesting an aged or deliberately antique aesthetic. The construction appears to be using the Tiffany copper foil method or a similar stained-glass technique, where individual pieces of glass are cut, foiled, and then soldered together. The soldered seams are visible and appear to be a dark, possibly lead or copper-patinated, metal, providing structural integrity and outlining the various glass sections. The shape of the sailboat is stylized, with large, curving sails that create a sense of movement. A small, golden flag or pennant is affixed to the top of the mast, which along with the rigging, appears to be made of thin metal wire or rods, likely brass or a brass-plated material, exhibiting a similar golden luster. The base of the sailboat is formed by the bottom portion of the glass hull, suggesting it is designed to sit directly on a flat surface, although it is shown in the image resting on what appears to be a separate clear or milky white glass or plastic block for stability or display. There do not appear to be any obvious chips or cracks in the glass from the visible angles, suggesting good overall condition. The metal elements show a slight patina consistent with age but no significant corrosion. The piece reflects light beautifully, which is a characteristic of stained glass. Given its aesthetic and material, it likely dates from the mid to late 20th century, possibly the 1970s or 1980s, when stained glass art became popular for home decor. No specific maker's marks or signatures are discernible from the provided images, which is common for mass-produced or studio art glass pieces of this type.