Candle Holder 1935 - 1942

Here is the audio guide script for "Candle Holder": David S. De Vault created this painting with watercolours, and it presents a study of light, form, and everyday object. The candle holder is depicted in a muted palette of yellows and browns, creating a soft, diffused light that gently illuminates the object. The metallic finish of the holder is captured through delicate gradations of colour, which suggest the play of light on its surface. The structure of the piece itself is intriguing, with the cone-shaped element hanging freely adding a touch of dynamism to the otherwise static form. De Vault's attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of light and shadow, elevates the mundane into a subject worthy of contemplation. The painting uses the formal elements of colour, shape, and composition to draw our attention to the aesthetic qualities inherent in ordinary objects. It shows us the potential for beauty and interest in the functional items that surround us.