Candle Lantern c. 1939

This is Samuel W. Ford's 'Candle Lantern'. Ford was born a decade before the American Civil War, a period marked by growing divisions over slavery and states' rights. This watercolor painting depicts a humble object: a candle lantern, a source of light and warmth. Before the proliferation of electric lighting, such lanterns held both practical and symbolic importance. Light meant safety, guidance, and hope amidst darkness. It served as a tool, but also a symbol that cut across lines of race, class and gender. The lantern’s presence transcends its simple functionality. Ford invites us to reflect on the significance of light in our lives. How does it shape our experiences, perceptions, and relationships with one another? In a world that often feels dark, what does it mean to carry and share our own light?