Pair of candlesticks (part of a toilet service) 1765 - 1766

These candlesticks were made by Antoine Plot in France, and are crafted from solid silver. Notice how the material's inherent qualities dictate the design. Silver is ductile and reflective. The candlestick design takes full advantage of these properties, fashioned into elegant curves that catch the light beautifully. Consider the processes involved: hammering, casting, chasing. These would have demanded skilled hands and considerable time. Silversmithing like this was a highly specialized trade. The candlesticks were part of a toilet service, a set of personal grooming items for the wealthy. So, they speak to the rise of consumer culture and the desire for luxury goods in the 18th century. Looking closely at these candlesticks reminds us that even seemingly simple objects carry complex stories of labor, skill, and social status. It challenges the idea of craft as somehow separate from art and everyday life.