Art Break – Captivating Designs: Oakley and Stained Glass

During my first visit to the Delaware Art Museum, I discovered the work of Violet Oakley, a prolific illustrator, muralist, stained glass designer, speaker—and much more. It is impossible to just “walk by” her artworks Hamlet and The Tempest. They are incredibly grand, and not just because the pair of canvases stand over six feet tall. The way that Oakley handles her composition is captivating, each element drawing the viewer into the world the artwork creates. It doesn’t take an art history degree (although I like to think it comes in handy) to recognize their connection to stained glass. Oakley captures the glowing quality of light coming through colorful glass within an oil painting. The colors are rich and vibrant, each one appearing as if it has been mixed with a touch of sunlight. Keeping with the stained-glass design, the paintings are split into grids, with smaller lines dividing each element of the design. It comes across like a puzzle that Oakley has masterfully arranged for us to view.  

You do not need to be familiar with Shakespeare’s works to understand the narratives Oakley portrays here. The musicians at the bottom of the panels keep the story moving, providing a soundtrack for the artwork. The figures are dynamic and expressive. The borders and accompanying text tie together the design. These paintings take you into their world, outside of the museum and into the lavish music room that they were meant to adorn. While these paintings are the designs for a set of stained-glass windows and not the final product, they stand on their own as captivating works of art. 

Sophia DiFabio
Museum Educator