Lantern c. 1938

Editor: This is Walter Hochstrasser's "Lantern," circa 1938, a realistic drawing combining charcoal, ceramic and watercolor. It’s quite humble and utilitarian. What catches your eye, or how do you interpret this ordinary object? Curator: I see more than just an ordinary object. The lantern, historically, has always been a symbol of hope, guidance, and knowledge, particularly during times of darkness. How does Hochstrasser render the texture, and how might that reinforce the lantern’s symbolic weight? Editor: Well, the metallic texture is wonderfully captured with what appears to be masterful highlighting. It almost feels tangible, which strengthens the lantern's real-world presence and therefore its guiding role. Does that fit with the lantern as an icon, or am I stretching it too much? Curator: Not at all. The patina of age and use suggests a history, stories it could tell. Light, of course, chases away shadows—but notice the lantern itself *casts* a shadow, becoming a potent reminder of obscured or hidden truths. It encourages us to look beyond the surface and reflect on our own sources of light, both internal and external. Editor: That's really interesting. So the object isn’t just *of* light, but also *about* confronting what remains unseen. I had just thought of it as an old lantern. Now I see a whole layer of meaning I was completely missing. Curator: Symbols live through sustained observation and contemplation. Each of us, reflecting, brings new insight. What started as an ordinary object now illuminates our thinking. Editor: Definitely! Thanks to your perspective, it’s not just a drawing of a lantern anymore; it’s a symbol to reflect upon!