Water 1888 - 1890

This is Frederick G. Smith’s “Water,” a stained glass window panel. Here, a sinuous nymph figure rises amidst swirling currents, rendered in earth tones. This panel compels us to consider the structural dynamics at play, a complex interplay of form and allegory. The design operates on several levels. We see the figure and the surrounding aquatic elements intricately interwoven, unified by the lead lines. The composition uses curvilinear forms that suggest both fluidity and confinement. These lines guide the viewer's eye, creating rhythm and flow, while the figure’s embrace of the fish suggests a thematic link between human and nature. It’s tempting to see in this work a poststructuralist challenge to binary oppositions – man versus nature. We observe how Smith's technique destabilizes clear categorical distinctions. The lead lines serve as both boundaries and connections. Ultimately, “Water” challenges our conventional understanding of the world, prompting us to question the fixed meanings we often take for granted.