Candlestick c. 1745

This silver candlestick was crafted by an anonymous maker and now resides in the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Though we don't know who made this, it's a beautiful example of the kind of domestic objects that lit up the lives of people in the past. Consider how candlelight shapes our experience. It's intimate, personal; a single flame could mean the difference between darkness and connection, or even safety. In a world powered by electricity, it’s easy to forget the luxury of light and how the act of illuminating a space was once a ritual. Objects like this candlestick weren't just functional; they were imbued with meaning, reflecting the social status and cultural values of their owners. It would have been a symbol of wealth and refinement, placed in the homes of the privileged, a silent witness to the daily lives and private moments of those it served. This object quietly illuminates the power dynamics inherent in the spaces it once occupied.