Candlestick c. 1936

This drawing of a candlestick, brought to life by Janet Riza, captures more than just light; it holds a story woven through centuries. Note how the candlestick's circular form echoes ancient sun symbols. In early cultures, the sun wasn't merely a celestial body; it was a life-giver, a god, its circular representation a symbol of eternity and continuity. Think of the Egyptian sun god Ra, often depicted with a solar disc above his head. This shape, resonating with warmth and illumination, finds a quieter, domestic echo here. The candlestick, therefore, transcends its functional role. It becomes a vessel carrying the weight of collective memory. The cyclical nature of the sun mirrors the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. This candlestick reminds us that symbols are never static; they evolve, adapt, and resurface, carrying echoes of the past into our present.