Taper Jack c. 1936

Janet Riza created this drawing of a taper jack, a form of candle holder, using graphite on paper. Note how the curling shapes recall the past, echoing the volutes on Ionic columns of ancient Greek temples. These motifs are not merely decorative but symbolic. Consider the "Vitruvian scroll," a wave-like pattern seen in classical architecture, which similarly embodies movement and continuity. Such symbols have appeared across civilizations, reflecting humanity’s deep-seated desire for balance. The interplay of light and shadow in Riza’s work enhances this symbolic weight, evoking a psychological impact. Just as flickering candlelight once illuminated ancient texts, these curling motifs invoke a connection to the past, highlighting our shared cultural memory. The image of the taper jack, a humble object, is transformed into a meditation on cultural continuity. Its design, rich with historical echoes, links us to an enduring human story.