De rokende haard 1777 - 1855

Jean-Baptiste Isabey rendered this drawing with brush in gray in an unknown year. Note the candle in the center, a focal point in this intimate domestic scene. The motif of a candle, as a symbol, holds a profound place in our collective memory. In antiquity, it represented enlightenment and hope amidst darkness, seen in ancient rituals and philosophical allegories. In the Middle Ages, the candle flame symbolized the presence of the divine. Here, the candle casts a flickering light, revealing figures engaged in a quiet gathering. The gesture of the man with his arm raised towards it evokes a sense of wonder and contemplation, akin to ancient depictions of philosophers seeking knowledge. It’s a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This symbol continues to resurface, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.