Candlestick c. 1939

This candlestick was sketched by Philip Johnson. The candlestick is both functional and symbolic, and the light it casts is reminiscent of enlightenment and knowledge. The humble candlestick, as seen here, can be traced back through millennia, evolving from simple clay lamps to ornate metal fixtures. The central image of a light source appears across cultures as a symbol of hope, guidance, and divinity. Think of the menorah, a potent symbol of Judaism, or the eternal flame in various cultures representing unbroken continuity. It brings to mind the way we, as humans, seek to illuminate the darkness, both literally and metaphorically. The candle's flame mirrors our inner spark, an emblem of consciousness against the void. Through epochs, the candlestick persists, not merely as a tool, but as a vessel carrying the weight of our aspirations, our memories, and our collective yearning for light.