Pair of candlesticks 1734 - 1735

These elegant candlesticks were crafted in the 18th century by Paul de Lamerie. Their octagonal bases and the rhythmic play of convex curves ascending to the candleholders represent more than mere adornment. They signify a dance between light and shadow, order and fluidity. Consider how the octagon, a figure poised between the square and the circle, has been used through time, from ancient religious architecture to Renaissance city planning. Its very form suggests transition and balance. This shape provides a solid base, grounding the ethereal quality of candlelight in a tangible reality. Notice the silver, gleaming under the light. Silver, a metal associated with the moon and feminine energies, transmutes the flickering flame into a radiant glow. These candlesticks engage us on a subconscious level, reminding us of rituals past, where light served as a beacon against the darkness, guiding both the body and the spirit. Ultimately, these candlesticks stand as testament to the cyclical nature of symbols, continually resurfacing in new forms while echoing age-old meanings.