Lamp c. 1940

Clayton Braun rendered this drawing of a lamp, featuring stylized floral ornaments and fleur-de-lis motifs. The fleur-de-lis, prominently displayed, is a complex symbol with a lineage stretching back millennia. Originally associated with Egyptian and Indian symbols of fertility and royalty, it was adopted by the French monarchy, embodying perfection, light, and life. Yet, the symbol's inherent ambiguity allows it to resurface in diverse contexts. We see echoes of these stylized flowers across cultures – from ancient textiles to modern logos – each iteration subtly shifting its cultural weight. This persistence speaks to our collective subconscious, the primal need to express power, purity, and connection to the divine. The lamp, radiating light, speaks to our fundamental desire to banish darkness, both literal and metaphorical. A visual echo that transcends time.