Candlestick c. 1936

Here, we have Charles Caseau's drawing of a candlestick. Born in 1880, Caseau navigates the turn of the century, a period marked by rapid industrialization and shifting cultural values. The candlestick, often associated with domesticity and ritual, embodies the intersection of gendered spaces and spiritual practices. Historically, the act of lighting candles has been deeply entwined with women's roles within the home, signifying warmth, safety, and devotion. But Caseau subverts these expectations. The architectural form of this candlestick is reminiscent of ancient columns. It creates an intriguing dialogue between the sacred and the mundane, the domestic and the monumental. The piece complicates traditional representations, inviting us to reflect on the diverse meanings embedded within seemingly simple objects. Consider how this candlestick, standing as a silent observer, reflects both personal introspection and collective memory.