“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” – Edith Wharton, ​“Vesalius in Zante,” 1902. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.

Ellen Lanyon, "There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."--Edith Wharton, "Vesalius in Zante," 1902. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man., 1975, acrylic on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.169
Copied Ellen Lanyon, "There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."--Edith Wharton, "Vesalius in Zante," 1902. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man., 1975, acrylic on canvas, 38 1⁄2 x 48 1⁄8 in. (97.8 x 122.2 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Container Corporation of America, 1984.124.169

Artwork Details

Title
“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” – Edith Wharton, ​“Vesalius in Zante,” 1902. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man.
Artist
Date
1975
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
38 1⁄2 x 48 1⁄8 in. (97.8 x 122.2 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Container Corporation of America
Mediums
Mediums Description
acrylic on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • Animal — insect — moth
  • Dress — accessory — handkerchief
  • Object — flower — rose
  • Object — furniture — mirror
  • Object — other — candlestick
  • Figure — fragment — hand
Object Number
1984.124.169
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1984.124.169