Rush Burner Candle Holder c. 1936

Gerald Bernhardt made this “Rush Burner Candle Holder” design on paper, sometime during his long life, which spanned from 1855 to 1995. Bernhardt was an artist whose life and work may have navigated immense shifts in industrial and social landscapes. The design shows a seemingly functional object. It depicts a tool, perhaps pliers, repurposed as a candle holder. The drawing’s style evokes a sense of utility, reminiscent of technical sketches found in engineering or design blueprints. Yet, there’s a delicate human touch in the shading and proportions, making it clear this isn’t just a cold, mechanical rendering. One can imagine Bernhardt, perhaps reflecting on the transformation of manual labor in an increasingly automated world, finding a quiet beauty in these repurposed tools. He elevates the mundane object of a candleholder to a symbol of resourcefulness and resilience. It’s a gentle nod to the enduring human spirit amid shifting tides of progress and industrial change.