Oil Lamp c. 1938

Here is Andrew Topolosky's 'Oil Lamp'. At first glance, it's a simple rendering of an everyday object. Yet, consider the lamp itself – a vessel of light. Throughout history, across cultures, light is a symbol of knowledge, hope, and divine presence. Think of the Roman votive lamps, the ever-burning flame in temples, or even the candles carried in religious processions. Here, on the body of the lamp, note the star design. A motif as ancient as civilization itself, stars have guided travelers, represented celestial powers, and adorned sacred spaces. From Mesopotamian deities to the Star of Bethlehem, the star is an anchor point in our collective visual memory. This humble oil lamp reminds us that even the simplest objects can carry profound cultural and psychological weight, and the light it casts is a continuation of an ancient tradition. The motifs are not just decoration, but rather echoes of our shared human experience.