Candlestick c. 1940

This watercolor painting of a candlestick was made by Janet Riza. Riza was born in 1855, meaning she lived through the Industrial Revolution, which would have had a great effect on the kinds of items she might have had in her home. Candlesticks like the one in this painting would have been commonplace objects. But despite their ubiquity, their design and manufacture still reflect social status. This piece appears quite delicate and refined, which tells us about the social class of its owner. It’s a reminder that even everyday objects can embody significant social and cultural information. Historians use various research resources to understand art, including social histories, museum records, economic data, and other documents to place the creation and ownership of art within a broader social context. Recognizing the interplay between art and its social setting deepens our understanding of its meaning and relevance.