Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Biomorphic Stone Window Frame with Bullseye Stained Glass at Casa Batlló

2052

Catalan Modernisme (Art Nouveau), 1904–1906

A window opening from Casa Batlló, designed by Antoni Gaudí and completed 1904–1906, showcasing the biomorphic treatment of architectural elements that defines this building. A slender carved stone mullion divides the window opening, its surface carved with flowing organic floral and bud forms that avoid all straight lines. The glazing is composed of leaded stained glass assembled from concentric bullseye roundels made from mouth-blown bottle-glass bottoms in amber, purple, and green hues, with the characteristic optical distortion and layered translucency of period glassmaking. Wrought iron armatures and plasterwork frames integrate the window into the wall as a single organic composition. The result is consistently aquatic — as if the light passes through coral and water before entering the room.