Cornelius & Co.
Solar Lamp

Public Domain

ExpandFavorite

Images(4)

Maker Cornelius & Co.(American, active 1839–1851)American, active 1839–1851

CultureAmerican

Titles

Solar Lamp

Datec. 1843–1851

Made inPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

MediumGlass, brass, iron, marble, and mercury

Dimensions31 1/4 × 9 1/4 × 9 1/4 in. (79.4 × 23.5 × 23.5 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, museum purchase funded by the Jack R. McGregor Endowment Fund and the Museum Collectors

Object numberB.2004.3.A-.D

Current Location

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Chillman Parlor

On view

Explore Further

Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

METALWORK

DescriptionIn 1843 Robert Cornelius of Philadelphia received a patent for a lard lamp with an Argand burner. The mechanism he designed kept the lard just warm enough to make the inexpensive fuel burn brightly and efficiently. The firm’s success prompted them to exhibit 33 examples of their products at the 1851 London Crystal Palace exhibition. Among these were 24 solar lamps. This solar lamp is an unusual example that combines the skill of the glass cutter with the technological advances developed by Cornelius & Co. The glass was probably made and finished locally.
Provenance[Hugo A. Ramirez, New York]; purchased by MFAH, 2004.
Exhibition History"Patrons Choice: The Silver Anniversary of The Museum Collectors, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston," The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, September 18, 2004–January 30, 2005. Millennium Gallery and Public Corridor.

"American Made: 250 Years of American Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston," The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, July 7, 2012–January 2, 2013.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

[no inscriptions]

Stamped on the brass well in an oval: CORNELIUS & CO. / PHILAD. / JULY 24TH.1849. / PATENT / APRIL 1ST. 1843.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.