Candle Sconce with Mirror 1935 - 1942

E. Boyd's 'Candle Sconce with Mirror' presents a decorative object that plays with light, reflection, and ornamentation. Dominating the piece is a central mirror surrounded by symmetrical floral and foliate forms, and at the bottom a candleholder—all motifs rich with historical and cultural significance. The flowers and foliage are not merely decorative; they echo ancient symbols of growth, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life. The mirror, a symbol of self-reflection, has been seen across cultures as a portal—a threshold between the physical and spiritual realms. Think of the mirror as a constant companion, reflecting not just our faces, but also the deeper, often subconscious, aspects of our selves. The candle sconce with its flickering light symbolizes guidance and illumination in the darkness. Throughout time, the mirror has appeared in numerous contexts from the classical myth of Narcissus, obsessed with his own reflection, to its use in Renaissance vanitas paintings, reminding us of life's fleeting nature. The play of light and shadow in the candle’s flame engages our senses on a deep, almost primal level, reminding us of our ancestors gathered around a fire, sharing stories and warding off the unknown. The mirror's surface reflects light and our selves back at us, prompting questions of identity and existence. It's cyclical.