Designs for Two Decorated Plates and a Candleholder with Cut Glass Drops 1845 - 1855

Alfred Henry Forrester made these designs for decorated plates and a candleholder with cut glass drops, date unknown, using watercolor and graphite. The drawing is divided into two distinct parts: at the top are the fan shaped plate designs bisected into blue and pink halves, reflecting a symmetrical yet contrasting color scheme. Below, a meticulously rendered design for a candleholder with glass drops emphasizes verticality and balanced ornamentation. The use of symmetry in both designs—the plates and candleholder—suggests a formal exploration of balance. The plates, split into two colors, presents a dichotomy, a visual representation of duality. The candleholder embodies structure and hierarchy, from its base to the decorative glass drops. This evokes a semiotic interplay between illumination and opulence. Note the contrast between the flat planes of the plates and the three-dimensional design of the candleholder. This challenges fixed ideas about space, perception, and the representation of form in design. The drawing isn't just aesthetic; it engages with broader philosophical concerns.