Pair of candlesticks 1706 - 1707

Editor: These are a pair of candlesticks, crafted by Louis Dupérier between 1706 and 1707. They're made of silver, and currently reside at the Met. They strike me as surprisingly ornate; it’s not quite what I’d expect for something as utilitarian as a candlestick. What symbolic readings do they evoke for you? Curator: The candlesticks represent much more than mere light. They embody power, prestige, and a complex web of cultural beliefs. Consider the material itself: silver. It wasn't just beautiful; it was a statement. In this Baroque era, owning objects like these screamed wealth, divine favour, and refined taste. Note the repetitive floral and geometric designs. Editor: How do these design choices play into it? Curator: Well, symmetry was extremely important, implying order, reason and divine harmony. The Baroque style loved intricate detail; each motif worked to convey status. Beyond the purely decorative, consider the cultural memory embedded in such objects. Lighting dispels darkness, it holds tremendous symbolic weight. In early modern European homes, such sources transformed private settings and enhanced religious observation. Think about the dance of light and shadow in candlelight – did that influence painters or shape philosophies? Editor: So, the candlelight almost creates a sense of mystery and perhaps, wonder. The candlestick isn't merely holding the candle, it’s augmenting a sacred ritual. Curator: Precisely! How differently would you view these if they were crafted in wood or even glass? Material matters. The silver speaks to permanence and enduring worth, hinting at more significant beliefs tied to wealth, status, and religious piety during that period. Editor: I’ll never look at a candlestick the same way again! Seeing beyond just their practical purpose and thinking about these deeper symbolisms makes the Baroque era so interesting!