Drie kaarsendragers before 1692

Alexis Loir made this print, "Drie kaarsendragers," or Three Candlestick Bearers, which landed here at the Rijksmuseum. It's difficult to say exactly when, as this print lacks a creation date. Executed in detailed lines, the print showcases the design for three ornate candlesticks. Look closely, and you will see that each design incorporates mythical creatures and elaborate foliage, typical of the Baroque period. What’s interesting here is that these candlesticks, if ever produced, would have required highly skilled metalworkers, adept at casting, chasing, and engraving. The labor involved in producing such luxury items was considerable. From mining the metals to the final polishing, each stage demanded expertise and time. The final product was intended for elite consumers, reinforcing social hierarchies through material culture. By focusing on the materials and the making, we can understand how this print reflects broader issues of labor, class, and consumption in the Baroque era. It challenges us to look beyond the aesthetic and consider the social context of design.