Candlestick c. 1937

This Candlestick, by John Dana, is rendered in watercolour, though we don't know exactly when it was made. It’s the kind of object you look at to work out how to look at it. The colour palette is simple, a deep green base, clear glass body and a rich ruby cup. Dana’s hand is present but restrained, especially in the transparent area of the glass, a kind of optical exercise. If you look closely, the candlestick becomes more than a functional object. It's a study in light and form. The base is solid and grounded, giving way to the clear and ambiguous stem, and concluding with the dark cap. The candlestick invites a moment of pause. It reminds me of the still life paintings of Giorgio Morandi. Both artists share a similar fascination with everyday objects and transforming them into vehicles for exploring light, shadow, and form. While Morandi's paintings lean towards muted tones and subtle textures, Dana’s watercolor work is a bolder contrast. Like all great art, the candlestick keeps talking as long as you keep looking.