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Metadata
Artist |
Richard, Chava Wolpert |
Object Name |
Memorial Light |
Title |
Memorial Light |
Date |
ca. 1980 |
Place of Origin |
New York |
Medium |
Glass: painted |
Dimensions |
3 1/4 x 3 in. (8.3 x 7.6 cm) |
Accession Number |
01.02 |
Credit line |
Anonymous Gift |
About This Work |
This simple memorial (yahrzeit) light was designed by Chava Wolpert Richard at the Tobe Pascher Workshop of the Jewish Museum, New York, to honor the memory of her husband, Henry Richard, who died in 1972 at the age of 44. Wolpert's use of calligraphy in her design reflects the influence of her father, the silversmith Ludwig Wolpert. The Hebrew inscription says: "The lamp of the Lord is the spirit of man." The artist explained that the design "was my rebellion against the supermarket juice glasses," referencing how the familiar mass-produced memorial candle holders were reused (Chai Today, 1995). At the same time, her own glass candle holder was priced at $20, affirming her belief in affordable objects. |