Lard Oil Lamp c. 1940

Franklyn Syres created this drawing of a lard oil lamp at an unknown date using graphite and watercolor on paper. The symmetrical composition immediately grabs our attention. Note the convergence of lines and shapes towards the central container, juxtaposed with the radiating arms extending outward. The artist’s use of chiaroscuro, the interplay of light and shadow, accentuates the metallic texture and the three-dimensional form of the lamp, lending a sense of weight and volume. Consider how Syres uses the lamp's design—a utilitarian object—to explore broader themes of illumination and functionality. Does the drawing invite us to reflect on the object's form, or does it delve into the symbolic associations linked to light and technology? This prompts us to examine how a drawing of a simple lamp might destabilize the traditional values of art, inviting ongoing dialogue.