Ontwerp voor een kandelaber c. 1864 - 1894

Editor: This drawing, "Ontwerp voor een kandelaber" or "Design for a Candelabra" was rendered in pencil by Henri Cameré sometime between 1864 and 1894. There's a ghostliness to it, especially with the slender candles barely there. What do you make of its delicate, almost ephemeral quality? Curator: It's funny you say ghostliness – I see it too! Cameré is sketching more than illustrating; he's reaching for an ideal, that perfect curve, that glimmering reflection. Does the somewhat empty space around it also evoke a certain atmosphere, or perhaps even symbolism, to you? Editor: The space does feel significant, it keeps the eye focused. Are the flourishes at the base typical for candelabras of this time? Curator: Yes and no. The base is delightfully over-the-top! Consider it in contrast to the industrial revolution nipping at art’s heels; these kinds of decorative flourishes were both a nostalgic embrace and a quiet act of rebellion, what do you think? Editor: That makes sense! It’s ornate but practical. Thinking of candlelight against all that filigree feels really special. Is that why he used pencil, do you think? Curator: Possibly. Pencil allows for a responsiveness and a way of playing with light and shadow. He wasn’t aiming for precision here; it’s a dance, wouldn’t you agree? A dance with possibility. Editor: Absolutely. I hadn't thought about it as a dance before, but now that’s all I see. Curator: And isn't that the best thing art can do, teach us to really *see*? Editor: It really is. Thanks for shining a light on that.