Phot. Z. Reszka; Click to see more

In the past, twilight and darkness were treated differently than today. Prior to the era of electricity, after sunset life followed a slower course in interiors using sources of light much less effective than their present-day counterparts. They included candles in candlesticks, chandeliers and brackets, replaced every evening, followed by oil, kerosene and gas lamps; sometimes special lanterns were also lit. The exceptionally decorative Wilanów example, produced an unexpectedly strong light despite the fact that its source was a small candle whose flame was reflected from polished sheet metal. After lighting the candle, the tin cover was raised to ensure a supply of air (the doors were tightly closed). Quite possibly, this is the lantern mentioned in the palace inventory taken after 1864.