Merchandise c. 1590 - 1596

This is an anonymous pewter candlestick, and objects like this offer us a peek into the daily lives and social structures of their time. In a world lit primarily by candlelight, such an object wasn't merely functional, it was central to how people experienced their evenings, their work, and their social gatherings. Though humble in material, the candlestick embodies a certain level of domesticity, offering warmth and perhaps, a sense of comfort. It silently illuminates the spaces where stories were shared, deals were made, and families connected. As a piece created by an unknown artisan, it also speaks to the countless unacknowledged hands that shaped the material culture of the past. It makes you wonder about the individuals who made and used it. What were their days like? What were their hopes? This simple object serves as a reminder of our shared human history.