A stunning stained-glass window crafted by Tiffany Studios in the late 19th century is poised to make waves at auction this June, with estimates suggesting it could reach up to $2 million. This exquisite piece, known as The Boyd Family Memorial Window (The Falls), was created in 1898 and has graced the Second Congregational Church in Winsted, Connecticut, for over a century.
The window features a breathtaking two-panel design depicting a vibrant landscape at sunset, complete with a cascading waterfall, blooming lilies, and irises framed by distant mountains. Its installation in 1899 marked a significant moment in the church's history.
Commissioned by Ellen Wright Boyd in memory of her parents, the window has been a cherished part of the church's heritage for approximately 125 years. Proceeds from the auction will support the church's ongoing operations and programming, as confirmed by Christie's.
What sets this window apart is its unique subject matter; waterfalls are rarely the focal point in Tiffany Studios' creations. The piece is adorned with a jeweled medallion, enhancing the theatrical flair characteristic of the studio's late 19th-century works.
The upcoming auction reflects a growing trend where significant Tiffany windows are increasingly circulating from their original locations into private collections and museums. For instance, the Metropolitan Museum of Art acquired the Garden Landscape (1912) in 2023, while the Danner Memorial Window (1913) fetched $12.4 million at Sotheby's, setting a new record for the studio. Christie's also featured the Goddard Memorial Window (1910) with an auction estimate of $4.2 million in 2025. Additionally, Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas, announced its acquisition of the Mountain Landscape (Root Memorial Window), previously housed in a Texas church.
Over the years, the Boyd window has undergone conservation efforts, including restoration in the 1990s to address wear and tear. It remains one of several Tiffany commissions still held by the church, alongside another figurative window and a mosaic honoring a dedicated deacon. Now, after more than a century of illuminating the sanctuary, this remarkable window is set to embark on a new journey in the auction room.
