Design for a Hanging Lamp 1850 - 1900

This is a sketch for a hanging lamp, likely dating from the 19th century, rendered in pencil on paper by an anonymous artist. The composition is dominated by the lamp’s vertical structure, suspended by chains. The lamp itself is composed of distinct geometric forms, from the spherical glass shade to the ornate, curvilinear metalwork below. The artist has used line to define form and volume, employing hatching and cross-hatching to suggest depth and shadow. The precise measurements inscribed on the drawing indicate a concern for proportion and scale. The lamp's design reveals a confluence of functionality and ornamentation, hinting at the values of the era. Consider how the interplay between the organic motifs and geometric shapes reflects broader cultural trends. The lamp’s structure embodies a negotiation between aesthetic appeal and industrial precision, capturing a moment of shifting artistic values. Ultimately, the drawing is an invitation to consider how even functional designs carry complex cultural codes.