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Tall Sentinels by Arthur Stern
Photo CreditGSA\Michael Harvey
Tall Sentinels
Photo CreditGSA\Michael Harvey

Tall Sentinels

Year1994
Classification architectural arts
Medium leaded glass
Dimensions13 x 17 ft. (396.2 x 518.1 cm)
Credits Commissioned through the Art in Architecture Program
Fine Arts Collection
U.S. General Services Administration

  • The artwork is composed of three related areas: the Tall Sentinels stained glass windows on the third floor; Sentinels stained glass windows on the second floor; and Torchere a reflected glass and bas-relief sculpture mounted to the wall on the first floor. 



    The artwork takes into account the Art Deco style of the existing building and utilizes geometric shapes and details to unify the existing building with the new Courthouse.  Although the artwork appears graphic from a distance, there is variety and detail at a close range that engages the viewer. The windows combine white and clear hand blown glass to create a positive/negative effect over 80% of the surface. The remaining 20% is composed of color: red and blue; earth tones to reflect the wood in the building; and beveled glass prisms that will reflect light from the western exposure to give the windows a shimmering, glistening quality.  The two windows fill the wall space on their respective floors and, although similar over all, have variations in their detailing and reversal of color. The Torchere uses geometric shapes similar to those in the windows. The balance is a bas relief made of cherry wood to coordinate with the doors and wainscoting of the new building.  The cherry wood creates three dimensional planes that are filled with mirrored and leaded glass that reflect light form the main entrance to the building.  The wall piece coordinates with the designs of the Sentinels windows. The balance uses the earth tone colors combined with gold and bronze and will have a jewel-like effect.