Votive Lamp
Late 18th century
Medium
Pewter
Dimensions
46.4 × 11.4 × 11.4 cm (18 1/4 × 4 1/2 × 4 1/2 in.)
Classification
pewter
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
47504
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Art Institute of Chicago's Department of Applied Arts of Europe this *Votive Lamp* from the late 18 century exemplifies the craftsmanship of everyday religious devotion. Crafted from pewter—an affordable alloy of tin and lead prized for its durability and subtle sheen—the lamp stands an elegant 46.4 cm tall with a compact square base of 11.4 × 11.4 cm. Its simple, functional form was designed to hold a candle or oil wick, illuminating sacred spaces with a steady, symbolic glow. In late 18th-century Europe, votive lamps like this one played a vital role in Catholic and Orthodox ...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...