The “My Jewels” Window (1935)

Quick Facts

MEMORIAL TO: Grace Elizabeth Ingold Van Valkenburgh (1869–1933)

GIVEN BY: Her husband, Arba Seymour Van Valkenburgh (1862–1944)

DESIGNED BY: Artisans of the Louis C. Tiffany Studios Corporation

FABRICATED BY: Louis C. Tiffany Studios Corporation, New York City, New York

INSTALLED: January, 1935

DEDICATED: February 3, 1935

Symbolism

  • The design of this window was based on the Sixth Beatitude from Matthew 5:8: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
  • The risen, enthroned Christ holds a scepter, symbolic of his power.
  • The veil being removed by the kneeling woman represents the earthly sorrow she leaves behind upon entering the presence of Christ.
  • The “Recording Angel” holds the Book of Life in its left hand and the Palm of Victory in its right hand.
  • The “Crown of Glory” hovers above the angel, shining its radiance on Christ’s faithful servant.
  • The blue and purple shades of sky represent the precincts of heaven.
  • Inscribed in the window are two verses: “They shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels. Malachi 3:17,” and “Ye shall receive a crown of glory,” (I Peter 5:4).
  • The dedication at the bottom of the window reads: “To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Grace Van Valkenburgh (April 17, 1869 — April 21, 1933).”
  • At the left of the dedication is a lyre, a symbol of music, and, on the right, a red Greek cross, the symbol of the American Red Cross. These represent Mrs. Van Valkenburgh’s great interest in music and her volunteer work for the Red Cross.
  • The actual designer of this window is unknown. Very few of the hundreds of artists employed by Tiffany were ever given credit for their designs.

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