Art Challenge 5 Entry

My interpretation:
The flame on the candle is like the yolk of the eggs. It gives light to the darkness the way the yolk gives nourishment to the chick. The shell is used to keep the chick safe much like the body of the candle protects the holder from dealing directly with the heat of the flame. Unlike the eggs, the candle is inanimate. The closest thing to life it possesses is the fire (which both breathes and consumes). The candle is well placed in the middle of the nest so it's unlikely to fall and harm the eggs or engulf the nest in flames. If the temperature is just right, the candle’s flame may even play the role of the missing mother bird and warm the eggs just enough to help the chicks grow and hatch. From that perspective, it's a family portrait.

Rene Magritte

Thanks for reading!