Designs for Two Candelabras 19th century

These are two designs for candelabras, drawn anonymously with pen and ink, and while undated, they reflect the neoclassical style popular across Europe in the late 18th century. We can see this in the symmetrical forms, the idealized human figure, and the references to classical antiquity. In one design, a male figure reminiscent of Atlas appears to support the candelabra, a potent symbol of enlightened masculinity. These would have been luxury items, commissioned for a wealthy household displaying its taste and refinement. Such designs circulated among artisans and patrons, shaping the visual culture of the period. Surviving invoices and letters can tell us about the specific workshops producing such objects, and the social networks that sustained them. By studying these historical materials, we can better understand the complex relationship between art, commerce, and social status in the 18th century.