Candlestick 1741

These candlesticks were made by Robert Tyrill in the mid-18th century, and they exemplify the material possibilities of silver. Consider the labor involved in their creation. Silver doesn't just appear in these elegant forms. It must be mined, smelted, and then painstakingly shaped. The silversmith would have used a range of techniques, like hammering, casting, and chasing to achieve the final result. Notice the subtle variations in the surface, telling of the hand that formed them. These objects reflect the rise of a wealthy merchant class, eager to display their affluence. The candlesticks, with their gleaming surfaces and intricate designs, were potent symbols of status. Understanding the labor and skill involved allows us to see beyond their aesthetic appeal, and appreciate their role in the social and economic landscape of the time. These candlesticks demonstrate how even functional objects can embody complex stories of making and meaning.