Pair of Sinumbra Lamps c. 1827 - 1831

These pair of Sinumbra Lamps were crafted by Cornelius and Company around 1839 to 1851. Their bronze and gilded surfaces are adorned with symbolic elements that transcend mere decoration. Notice the lamp’s base, a motif featuring stylized lion paws. The lion, a symbol of strength and vigilance since antiquity, here grounds the lamps with an air of protective power. Consider how this same symbol appears in ancient Egyptian art, guarding temples and tombs, or in medieval heraldry, representing noble courage. These paws also evoke the psychological connection between light and security, protection against the darkness, a primal fear that these lamps confront. The column rising from the base, reminiscent of classical architecture, supports the radiant light above. The symbolism embedded in these lamps—the protective paws, the classical column, and the illuminating light—demonstrates our enduring connection to the past and the recurring human desire to ward off darkness, both literal and metaphorical.