Sinumbra Lamp
This type of lamp—called a sinumbra (without shadow)—represents an important innovation in lighting, an advancement on the Argand oil lamp, in its design that allowed the light to fall directly onto the surface without shadows. Usually crafted with metal shafts, some of the most effective and beautiful are those utilizing solid glass shafts like this one with its striking black-amethyst color. The New England Glass Company is the only American firm known to have made them. Although this lamp is not marked, its attribution is based on three nearly identical lamps that bear a small metal label with the New England Glass Company name. It is of note that these lamps were fueled by whale oil, gathered by hunting sperm whales, an important global trade based largely in New England.
Artwork Details
- Title: Sinumbra Lamp
- Manufacturer: New England Glass Company (American, East Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1818–1888)
- Date: ca. 1830
- Culture: American
- Medium: Glass, pressed, with brass fittings and lamp mechanism; shade, blown, frosted and wheel cut
- Dimensions: Height: 18 3/16 in. (46.2 cm) (to top of chimney)
- Credit Line: Gift of Elizabeth Feld Herzberg and Peter A. Feld, 2023
- Object Number: 2023.578
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
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Probably New England Glass Company (American, East Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1818–1888)
1883–88
New England Glass Company (American, East Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1818–1888)
ca. 1830
Probably New England Glass Company (American, East Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1818–1888)
1850–60
New England Glass Company (American, East Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1818–1888)
1860–70
Probably New England Glass Company (American, East Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1818–1888)
1850–80
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