lighting a lamp: candlelight in art and worship

Emily Swift

Humans are fascinated by light, and the ways in which we create it for ourselves have become markers of our technological development. Candlelight has played an important symbolic role in Christian worship since the Middle Ages, and has provided the inspiration for many works of art, both religious and secular. In a world lit by the blue glow of smartphone and laptop screens, the dim, warm light of candles engenders a sense of calm and contemplation which can facilitate both spiritual and artistic inspiration.

Early Christian groups were forced to meet in secret to protect themselves from persecution by the Roman regime. At the time of the birth of Christianity, candles and oil lamps would have been the principal source of light during the night. Meeting for worship and prayer after dark necessitated these light sources, and this is likely how they first became a part of Christian worship. Early Christians, fearing a reversion to pagan customs or idolatry, initially regarded the lighting of lamps during the day with suspicion. Nonetheless, they recognised the practical benefits of light and fire, eventually integrating them into their customs and ceremonies by the Middle Ages. Fire and lamps have since come to represent the light of God in the world, and the victory of His light over darkness, death and sin.

In many churches, candles are used year-round to facilitate prayer and worship. However, certain occasions in the Christian calendar are particularly associated with the use of light in churches and in homes. At Easter, a Paschal candle is lit to represent the presence of the risen Christ among his followers until Ascension Day. In many Christian denominations, candles are also lit periodically throughout Advent, in expectation of the coming Christ. Following Christmas, it has become traditional to bless and distribute candles at Candlemas, the feast of Jesus’ presentation at the temple, 40 days after his birth. The distribution of the candles symbolises the gradual spreading of Christ’s light after he entered the world.

In addition to their powerful biblical symbolism and ceremonial use, candles aid the personal devotion of many believers. The gentle light of a flame can provide a point of focus and calm when presenting oneself before God. Candlelight also has a mysterious quality which seems to echo the sometimes incomprehensible nature of the individual’s relationship with God.

As in religious worship, the role of candlelight in art is both practical and symbolic. Before artificial light was freely available, artists relied on either natural light or candles and fuel lamps to illuminate their subjects and artworks. The particular visual qualities of candlelight have also been utilised to add heightened contrast and dramatic effect to paintings, drawings and etchings.The technique of chiaroscuro (contrasting light and dark) originated in the 5th century when it was used to add depth and solidity to figure paintings. Later, in the 16th and 17th centuries, it was developed by artists like Caravaggio and Rembrandt into the more dramatic Tenebristic style. They used limited, carefully positioned light sources in order to produce darker paintings with exaggerated shadows.

For me, this style of painting gives the artwork an air of contemplation and almost prayerful focus. In worship, candles bring our attention to the light of God and our own relationship with that light, and with our surroundings and fellow worshippers. In art, candles can sharpen a composition, and highlight the spatial relationships between objects or human subjects. In the same way, prayer can bring our thoughts and experiences into greater focus, allowing us some clarity amidst the business and confusion of our lives.

Emily is a fifth year medical student at Christ Church. When she’s not at the hospital, she loves being outdoors, walking or cycling. Otherwise she can be found listening to audio books and attempting to knit.