Pair of five-light candelabra 1774

These five-light candelabra were created by Luigi Valadier, and you can see them here at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The immediate impression is one of opulent symmetry, where golden figures intertwine with rich marble tones. The candelabra are structured around a clear tripartite division: the hexagonal base, the marble pillar adorned with swags, and the elaborate crowning element with the figures and candle arms. Valadier masterfully balances classical restraint with baroque exuberance. The figures, seemingly frozen in mid-dance, support the upper structure, creating a dynamic tension between support and burden. The choice of materials—gilt bronze and marble—isn't arbitrary. Bronze offers a lustrous surface that captures light, while the marble provides a grounding weight. This juxtaposition creates a sensory experience that's both visually stimulating and tactilely suggestive. It invites us to consider the candelabra not just as functional objects, but as intricate studies in form and balance.