Candle Mold c. 1939

Eugene Croe’s ‘Candle Mold’ presents a meticulously rendered object, seemingly frozen in time, through watercolor. The composition is dominated by the symmetrical arrangement of vertical, cylindrical forms held within a wooden structure. The color palette is subdued, dominated by the browns and greys of the wood and metal, evoking a sense of understated functionality. The artist's attention to detail transforms a utilitarian object into a study of form and texture. We can see how each element is carefully delineated, emphasizing the interplay of light and shadow. Croe’s ‘Candle Mold’ can be viewed through the lens of structuralism. It presents a system where each component—the wooden frame, the cylindrical molds, the negative space—contributes to the overall meaning. This isn't merely a depiction of a candle mold, but an exploration of how objects function both practically and aesthetically within a structured environment. The piece invites us to consider the underlying order of everyday objects.