Candlestick c. 1936

Jack Staloff's drawing captures a simple, though evocative, brass candlestick. The candle it holds is more than just a source of light; it is a symbol, deeply embedded in our cultural memory. The motif of the candle appears across diverse epochs and cultures. We see it in the menorahs of ancient temples, in the dark, dramatic paintings of the baroque, and in funerary art, where it marks the passage of time. The flame, flickering and ephemeral, connects us to the transient nature of life, a memento mori if you will. Think of medieval paintings, where saints often hold candles, emblems of enlightenment. The candle flame evokes a primal feeling, an acknowledgment of darkness and a desire for illumination, reflecting our inner psychological landscape. It speaks to our deepest fears and our highest aspirations, a visual symbol that has continued to resonate and transform through time.