Tin Candle Sconce 1935 - 1942

This drawing of a tin candle sconce was made by Majel G. Claflin, who was born in 1893. It feels like a technical drawing, but it's also got this ghostly vibe, like Claflin was trying to capture the *idea* of a sconce, not just its physical form. I can almost see her at the table, carefully rendering each detail – the scalloped edge, the rows of dots, and chevrons – thinking about how light would play on the metal. The grey wash makes the metal look both solid and ethereal. You know, it's funny how a simple object like this can hold so much history and human intention. Claflin’s drawing reminds me a bit of some of the early American folk art I’ve seen—simple, functional objects elevated through careful craftsmanship. She makes me think about the conversations artists have across time, how they are inspired by one another’s creations, and how a simple drawing can open up a world of imagination.