Sconce 1935 - 1942

Here we see Jack Staloff's "Sconce", an intriguing drawing of a wall-mounted light fixture. The design employs a circular grid, reminiscent of ancient solar symbols, encapsulating a radiant light. This symbol transcends mere functionality, echoing the universal human fascination with light as a life-giving force. Recall the ancient Egyptian sun god Ra, often depicted with a solar disk. The circular motif is not merely a geometric shape; it’s an archetypal image that carries deep psychological weight, evoking notions of divinity, illumination, and cosmic order. Staloff's design transforms this primal symbol into a modern domestic object, highlighting the human desire to harness and control natural forces. The grid pattern further divides the light, symbolizing how humanity has attempted to explain the cosmos, breaking it down into understandable components. In the realm of art, such symbolic transformation is a powerful reminder of how collective memory shapes our present. The cyclical progression of these symbols reflects the non-linear, evolving journey of human consciousness.