Artwork preview

Lamp

Christabel Scrymser

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture is a decorative oil lamp with a tall, intricate design featuring multiple layers of stylized bird figures in ascending order. The birds have elegantly curved beaks and tails, giving a sense of motion and unity. The sculpture is made from dark brown metal, possibly bronze or brass, giving it a sturdy and slightly aged appearance. It has a central wick holder above a shallow oil reservoir for functional use. The base is rounded with two small protrusions, and the tall structure adds graceful elongation. The design suggests a blend of utilitarian and ornamental art, possibly linked to a historical or cultural tradition related to oil lamps.

Artwork Details

Date
1935/1942
Medium
watercolor, graphite, and pen and ink on paperboard
Dimensions
3049 × 5020 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original