Artifact World Gallery
Get the iOS app

Snake Charmer at Tangier, Africa by Louis Comfort Tiffany (American, 1848–1933)

Louis Comfort Tiffany (American, 1848–1933) · 1872-01-01

Before Louis Comfort Tiffany became a titan of American decorative arts, he was a painter. His 1872 oil painting, "Snake Charmer at Tangier, Africa," on view at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a fascinating glimpse into his early artistic career.

The painting vividly captures a public performance in North Africa, with a central figure holding a snake aloft before an assembled audience. Notice the detailed rendering of the coiled snake and the expressive faces of the spectators, reflecting Tiffany's early command of oil painting techniques.

While this work demonstrates his talent in figural and genre scenes, Tiffany's career took a significant turn shortly after. He would eventually become world-renowned for his exquisite stained-glass lamps and other decorative arts, defining an entire era of American design.

This painting reminds us of the diverse paths artists often explore before finding their true calling. What other early works by famous artists surprise you?

Details

This is his 1872 painting, "Snake Charmer."
This is his 1872 painting, "Snake Charmer."
And the rapt attention of the audience.
And the rapt attention of the audience.
But Tiffany would soon pivot to glasswork and decorative arts.
But Tiffany would soon pivot to glasswork and decorative arts.
He became famous for his iconic stained-glass lamps.
He became famous for his iconic stained-glass lamps.
Transcript

Long before lamps, Tiffany painted. This is his 1872 painting, "Snake Charmer." He captures the tension of the coiled snake. And the rapt attention of the audience. It shows his early command of oil painting. But Tiffany would soon pivot to glasswork and decorative arts. He became famous for his iconic stained-glass lamps.