Candlestick 1935 - 1942

Here we see "Candlestick" by Philip Johnson, a study rendered with graphite and watercolor washes. The drawing captures a humble object, yet the artist's meticulous attention transforms it into a study of form and light. Johnson's use of line and shadow creates a palpable sense of volume, giving weight to the cylindrical stem and the curved reflector, which is rendered in subtle gradations of grey. The work explores the basic geometric forms, the interplay of light and shadow emphasizing their sculptural qualities. The composition invites us to consider the object not just as a functional item but as a design form. The candlestick is elevated to a subject worthy of artistic scrutiny by reducing its elements to basic shapes, which recalls early modernist concerns with geometry. The artist’s choice of medium, the precise lines, and the subtle variations in tone, all contribute to the silent aesthetic power of the design.