When it comes to how we see, comprehend, and interpret art, symbolism is one of the most important elements. That's why it comes naturally for individuals to discover meaning in artwork right away. It's the artist's approach to expressing a more comprehensive idea without the use of text or words to make a more significant statement. The candle was frequently employed in Christian genre paintings in the fourteenth century, and its symbolic significance evolved later to symbolize other subjects. Most famously in Dutch paintings during the 17th century especially by a man known as Gerrit Dou, who had a distinctive style that was largely influenced by dark oil paintings with a single candle as the sole source of light. This is not to say all paintings in the 17th century with single candles symbolized the same thing, each use of candlelight differed from painting to painting. The paintings throughout this gallery highlight how a candle's symbolic significance in art varies based on the following paintings. The singular candle has stood the test of time while serving as a metaphor for many things throughout the years, and every time, painters have incorporated some new insight for the viewers to find.
Georges de La Tour, The Penitent Magdalen, 1640
Oil on Canvas
52 1/2 x 40 1/4 in
Metropolitan Museum
This may look very similar to the Dutch paintings that follow but this is not Dutch. But like other Dutch genre paintings from the same era, the candle's symbolism is still essential to understanding the meaning of the work. Mary Magdalene's introspective examination of her own spiritual well-being is symbolized by the mirror, which is connected to introspective contemplation or reflection. Similar to many Dutch genre paintings, this one depicts enlightenment through the wax candle's radiance, but with one important distinction: the enlightenment symbolized by the candle in this picture is spiritual rather than physical.
Frans van Mieris the Elder, The Serenade, 1678-80
Oil on Wood
Arched top, 5 3/4 x 4 3/8 in.
Metropolitan Museum
If this painting looks very similar to the style of the artist Gerrit Dou it’s due to the fact that Frans Van Mieris studied with him after ending his apprenticeship with his cousin. Mieris was viewed so highly by Gerrit Dou that Dou gave him the title of “Prince of my Pupils”. This painting represents the common incidents of the working class. Since most of Gerrit Dou's paintings with singular candles illustrated enlightenment that is no different here. The woman in the middle is illuminated by the light of the candle towards the bottom, giving her a representation of enlightenment. Even more, emphasized by her posture and confidence while speaking to two threatening-looking men.
Pierre Louis Dumesnil the Younger, Card Players in a Drawing Room, 1698-1781
Oil on Canvas
31 1/8 x 38 3/4 in
Metropolitan Museum
The following two pieces have used candlelight to symbolize enlightenment, one spiritually and another knowledgeable. This piece does have a hint of knowledgeable enlightenment due to the illuminated faces of upper-class figures compared to darken-out lower-class faces. Candlelight has been known throughout history to represent the inevitable passing of time, due to their burn time, and once out can never burn again. The candle’s stick on the table with five figures surrounding it is tall illustrating a long life ahead of them. This is in contrast to the dying out fireplace the woman on her knees tries to keep ablaze, symbolizing the shortness of life left.
Gerrit Dou, An Evening School, 1655-57
Oil on Wood
Arched top, 10 x 9 in
Metropolitan Museum
Gerrit Dou depicts a little evening school in this Dutch genre painting, and again, the sole source of illumination is a wax candle. Only when they are close to the candle are the three students and their teacher become visible to the viewers. The candle represents enlightenment; the closer a person is to the candle, the more enlightened they are; and the more away from the flame, the less enlightened they are. The instructor is closest to the candle and hence the most easily identified. Because it makes Gerrit Dou's Dutch genre paintings instantly recognizable, the use of chiaroscuro is crucial. He had a distinct and original style that could be easily picked out from the group.
Hans Schäufelein, The Dormition of the Virgin; (reverse) Christ Carrying the Cross, 1510
Oil and gold on fir
55 x 53 1/8 in
Metropolitan Museum
This piece illustrates the death of the Virgin Mary while using all three of the symbolic representations of a single candle we have discussed previously. The candlelight illustrates knowledgeable enlightenment, spiritual enlightenment, and the inevitable passing of time. The Virgin Mary’s face is illuminated by the candle just below her showing her enlightenment through knowledge. The light surrounding her face depicts her spiritual enlightenment almost looking as if she has a halo over her head, making her set apart from the figures around her. The third passing of time is shown through the burning down of the candle stick saying her time is near and the inevitable death has come.
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