Hanging lantern c. 1895

Here we see William Arthur Smith Benson's hanging lantern at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, showcasing a synthesis of form and function. The composition consists of a central, translucent glass shade, framed by the clean lines of brass. The symmetry is precise. The upper and lower brass elements mirror each other, creating a visual balance. The lantern's structure invites semiotic interpretation. The brass framework, with its curved lines, evokes a sense of flow and organic movement, contrasting the geometric precision of the glass shade. This interplay between natural and geometric forms reflects a broader cultural interest in harmonizing art and industry. The lantern not only serves a practical purpose but also acts as a signifier of aesthetic and philosophical values, highlighting how design objects can embody deeper cultural meanings and artistic principles.