Tiffany Chapel Reredos, c. 1893
Laurelton Hall, Long Island, New York, 1902–57
Exhibited: World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago, 1893
Glass mosaic
Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company, New York City, 1892–1900 90 x 72 in. (U-075)

The majestic peacock is often found in the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Two peacocks face each other in this detail of the glass mosaic reredos from the chapel interior Tiffany designed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Peacocks are ancient symbols of immortality and resurrection; the bird sheds its old feathers every year and grows new ones that are even brighter. Also, according to ancient legend, the flesh of the peacocks does not decay. The “eyes” on the peacock’s tail have been equated with the all-seeing eye of God. The Tiffany Chapel reopened to the public in April 1999 and is a permanent exhibition at the Morse.