Candlestick c. 1938

John Hall made this candlestick, likely in the late 1700s, with a clear, patient intention. Looking at the painting now, I can feel the care he took with each stroke, building up the form with delicate washes of brown and gold. I’m imagining John Hall in his studio, closely observing how the light catches on the curves of the metal, trying to capture its sheen. The layering of the tones reminds me of artists like Morandi, who found endless fascination in simple objects. It’s a still life, of sorts, but it’s also an exploration of form and light. Each layer of paint feels like a meditation, an attempt to understand this object. But also, I'm not sure what it is... a candle-operated drill? This image invites a curiosity about tools, and about the history of light. Ultimately, this candlestick is part of a dialogue between artists across time. It reminds us that painting is a way of seeing and thinking—a way of turning ordinary things into extraordinary experiences.