Painting Of A Lit Candle On A Candlestick Appraisal

Painting of a Lit Candle on a Candlestick

This item is a framed oil painting depicting a single lit candle set within a handled candlestick, rendered in a dark, atmospheric style. The central subject, the candle, is a creamy white or pale yellow color, with significant wax drippings visible along its sides, suggesting it has been burning for some time. The flame itself is bright orange and yellow, casting a warm, glowing halo that illuminates the immediate surroundings against an otherwise very dark background, likely mimicking a night scene or a dimly lit room. The candlestick appears to be made of a metallic material, possibly brass or copper, given its warm, reddish-brown hue and subtle sheen. It features a flat, circular base with a raised rim and a small, looped handle extending from one side, typical of designs intended for carrying. The candle is held in the center of this base by a small, elevated holder. The painting itself exhibits a noticeable texture, possibly indicating impasto technique, which gives depth and character to the surface. The brushwork appears somewhat loose yet effective in capturing the light and shadow. The painting is housed within a simple, light-colored wooden frame, likely pine or a similarly light-toned wood, with a smooth finish. There are no discernible maker's marks or signatures visible from the provided images. The condition of the painting appears stable, with no obvious signs of cracking or significant damage, though the visual quality of the image makes it difficult to assess fine details. The overall aesthetic suggests a traditional or classical still life approach, possibly from the 20th century, though an earlier origin cannot be entirely ruled out without further inspection. The dramatic lighting and solitary subject evoke a sense of quiet contemplation or a representation of light in darkness.