Lamp c. 1936

Ruth Bialostosky created this image of a Lamp. The image is an elevation drawing. As we look at this work, consider Bialostosky’s position as a female artist navigating the complexities of the early to mid-twentieth century. During this time, women were often relegated to specific artistic roles, such as craft or design, as opposed to being recognized in what was seen as the ‘fine arts’. This lamp may represent Bialostosky’s engagement with the domestic sphere, where women’s labor has historically been concentrated. The simplicity of the design, with its clean lines, speaks to a desire for functionality, perhaps a reflection of the economic conditions of the time. The design aesthetic of the lamp invites us to consider gendered associations with domesticity and labor. Does it challenge or reinforce traditional roles? Ultimately, this drawing serves as a reminder of the personal histories embedded within everyday objects, reflecting a dialogue between form, function, and the artist's identity.