Candlestick c. 1937

Janet Riza created this watercolor painting of a candlestick sometime in the 20th century. At first glance, it's a simple depiction of a household object, but what’s interesting is how Riza, whose dates span from the late 19th to late 20th century, has chosen to represent it. The candlestick is isolated, devoid of context, and rendered in a somewhat detached, almost clinical manner. This approach resonates with the artistic movements of the early to mid-20th century, when artists were influenced by social changes, questioning traditional artistic values. The painting invites us to consider the social and cultural implications of everyday objects. Was Riza commenting on the changing role of domesticity? Was she critiquing the institutions of art? To truly understand this work, one might delve into Riza's personal history, and explore the artistic and cultural movements of her time. Art history isn't just about aesthetics; it's about understanding the conversations art has with society.