Lantern c. 1938

Walter Hochstrasser rendered this lantern with watercolor, capturing its utilitarian design. The lantern, a vessel of light, holds a deep resonance. It's more than a practical tool; it's a symbol of guidance and hope, piercing through darkness. Consider how the concept of light as knowledge and salvation appears in myriad forms across cultures. From the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason dispelling ignorance to religious art depicting divine illumination, the lantern echoes humanity's perpetual quest for clarity. Think of the ancient Greek torches passed from runner to runner, a symbol of continuity and shared knowledge. Or the lamps held by wise hermits in countless paintings, representing inner wisdom. The lantern, in its humble form, embodies this same potent iconography. It reminds us that even a small light can hold profound significance. It is a vessel of hope, guiding us through both physical and metaphorical darkness.