DAR | Museum - Featured Objects

In each issue, the bimonthly DAR magazine, American Spirit, highlights an object from the DAR Museum collection in its "National Treasures" feature. These objects, often recent accessions or important pieces in the current exhibit, always have a story to tell about American history.

National Treasures

Forged From Fire

This unusual fixture, part of the DAR Museum’s collection, depicts Christopher Columbus’ exploration of the New World. The ships on the shade morph into sea dragons that support large spheres of glowing light. Massive chains, like the ones suspending a ship’s anchor, support the chandelier.

Designed in 1911 by Samuel Yellin, a Polish-American blacksmith, this elaborate iron fixture, which hangs above a massive wooden table, is a highlight of the DAR Museum’s New Jersey Period Room. The sea-faring theme extends to the room’s wall paneling and furniture, which were made of timbers from the salvaged British ship Augusta, sunk in battle in 1777.

Yellin, an early 20th-century artisan, was frequently commissioned to create his unique wrought-iron masterpieces for both public buildings and private residences. His works can be found in some of the most famous buildings in America, including the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and the Federal Reserve Bank, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Frick Collection, all in New York.

American Spirit, Volume 140, No. 4, July/August 2006, Page 7
Photo by Mark Gulezian/QuickSilver

More National Treasures

The Mystery of Mother and Child