Candlestick c. 1937

Philip Johnson rendered this candlestick with pencil and colored pencil. A seemingly simple object, the candlestick, is imbued with layers of meaning that transcend its practical use. Throughout history, the candle has been a symbol of enlightenment, hope, and the fleeting nature of life. We can see a similar motif present in countless Vanitas paintings, the single flame representing the brief, temporal nature of human existence. Consider how the candlestick also functions as a symbol of domesticity and intimacy. Its gentle light creates an atmosphere of warmth and security within the home. In contrast to the sun's harsh light, a candle symbolizes a personal, introspective realm. Ultimately, the candlestick is a reminder that symbols are never static. They evolve and adapt, carrying our collective memories and subconscious associations with them through time.