Lantern

America; 1900-20; Glass, metal; Gift of Constance McCann Betts, Helena Woolworth Guest and Frasier W. McCann, 1942.2143.

One of thirteen red signal lanterns Sleeper hung throughout Beauport, this light fixture speaks to several important themes in his work. First, it exemplifies his combination of “high” and “low” elements in his decor, the juxtaposition of precious objects with pedestrian ones. Second, it reveals his delight in seemingly misplaced objects; its installation was a bit like placing a traffic light in a modern home. And last, its color — like the palette of Sleeper’s 1906 portrait and Beauport’s Octagon Room — naturally signals Piatt Andrew’s home, Red Roof, two doors down.