TODAY'S BEAUTIFUL: Miriam Ellner and Verre Eglomise

Miriam Ellner

Remember the Design Dictionary entry when I told you about the fabulous art form of painting on the reverse side of glass called verre eglomise?  Well it is almost a lost art form.  Very few contemporary artisans have mastered the craft. Miram Ellner is one of the few artisans remaining who execute verre eglomise beautifully.

. Do you recall the fabulous ceiling in a room by Celerie Kemble in a recent Kips Bay Show House--that was executed by Miriam.  

Above  is her gorgeous screen currently on view at the Museum of Art and Design's current exhibition showcasing New York artists and artisans entitled "New York Makers".  Take a look at a close up. Wow, don't you think?

Detail from Fata Morgana, 2014 by Miriam Ellner

Despite its French sounding name, verre eglomise has been around since pre-Roman times. An image is built up slowly with layers on the reverse side of glass with the foreground applied first, followed by the background.  The reverse pane is adorned with  gilding,  paint, gold leaf and other precious and semi-precious materials.

Ellner's screen is composed of glass, gold leaf, white gold, palladium, moon gold, mica flakes, artist oils, glass beads and crushed abalone, surrounded in a bronze frame.

Here is a peek at some more lovelies from Ellner's portfolio.

Detail of verre eglomise by Miriam Ellner in a men's master bath

Sea Crossing, a painting on glass by Miriam Ellner using various techniques including verre eglomise

Ocean Forms, a painting on glass using various techniques including verre eglomise by Miram Ellner

Moorish wall panels done in verre eglomise by Miriam Ellner

Photo credits: Except where noted, all photos from Miriam Ellner's website.