Lantern 1936

This lantern was made by Holger Hansen, likely around the turn of the 20th century, with tinplate and glass. The form is simple and functional, made from thin sheets of metal, probably stamped or cut, folded, and soldered together. The stars stamped on the top, the handle riveted on – these are all simple, pragmatic gestures. And then, the panes of glass, held in place by the metal frame. The combination of transparency and structure gives the object its character, both visually and conceptually. Lanterns like these speak to a moment when industrial production made once precious goods widely available. Tinplate, a cheap form of steel covered in tin, was a real signifier of progress. The lantern is more than just a source of light, but an embodiment of the industrial era’s promise. By considering its materials and construction, we can move beyond aesthetics, and appreciate the lantern as a symbol of its time.