Athlète et feuillages (Athlete and foliage)

This may be the largest single piece of Lalique glass in existence. It was one of a set of Art Deco-style glass panels commissioned for the lobby of Wanamaker’s Department Store. The appearance and pose of the classical male figure, a hero, are taken from ancient Greek vase painting. The tree, with its thick leaves, creates a decorative pattern. The Lalique Company completed several large commissions in the United States between 1928 and 1935. They included architectural decorations for the Oviatt Building in Los Angeles, and the Coty Building and Altman’s Department Store in New York City. John Wanamaker (1838–1922) pioneered the concept of the American “department store” during the late 1800s. His innovative general stores in New York City and Philadelphia were nationally known.