Kaarsenkroon c. 1700 - 1800

Here we see a Kaarsenkroon, or chandelier, crafted from silver by an anonymous artist. The chandelier, with its many points of light, has long been a symbol of illumination, both literal and spiritual. Consider the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, where light emanates from above, branching down into the earthly realm. This reflects how light is often associated with knowledge, enlightenment, and the divine. Candles themselves represent more than just light. In many traditions, the flickering flame is symbolic of the soul, its fragility, and its capacity to ascend. Even the act of lighting a candle can be seen as a ritual of hope, a small beacon against the darkness. The chandelier, in its symbolic capacity, persists through time, its symbolism altered and enriched, yet eternally rooted in the human psyche.