Light Of Other Days Analysis

The title of the painting is called “Lights of Other Days” .It was painted by John F. Peto in the year 1906. The painting was donated to the museum by the Goodman fund.
Peto painted a vivid display of old rusted lanterns and candlesticks lay out on a long table. There are five old rustic lanterns ranging from glass to open metal style. Surrounding the lanterns are several brass, gold, and copper candlesticks. Several of candlesticks had half lit candles and others had no candles. The display was arranged in a home maybe even in someone storage room. The arrangement shows as if they were replace each one with a newer version constantly changing until they found a better Source of light, such as a light bulb. From the left side shows a modern glass Lantern and going to the right side show older styles of candlesticks and heavy old metal lanterns. The one thing that catches your eye is on the left and right side are covered in darkness, but in the dead center you have a source of Light which can indicate maybe a light bulb. This maybe the reason why they are no longer in used hence the title “Lights of other Days” they have become obsolete. …show more content…
The combination of the light and dark plays a role of abandonment among the items as if they were left to rust away. Peto use oil paint to catch the vivid colors and give the illusion of rust and glass on the lanterns. The contrast soft light in the middle gives the painting a life like feel. The textures of the each items has own feel of rust, gold or glass because of the balance of light shining off each items. Peto brushwork is refined and precise to the point where it looks almost