Presentatie van stearine kaarsen in het Nederlands paviljoen op de Wereldtentoonstelling van 1878 1878

This stereograph by Adolphe Block captures the display of stearine candles at the 1878 World's Fair. The scene is dominated by a series of elaborately decorated columns and structures, seemingly constructed entirely from candles. The muted sepia tones and the stereoscopic format enhance the depth and texture of the display, creating a somewhat dreamlike effect. The composition draws our attention to the tension between utility and artifice. The use of candles, typically objects of practical use, in such a decorative manner challenges our understanding of functionality. This blurring of boundaries can be seen as a reflection of broader 19th-century concerns about industrialization and the changing role of craftsmanship. Consider how the arrangement and presentation of these stearine candles elevate them beyond mere commodities. They become symbols of innovation and luxury, prompting us to consider how objects acquire meaning within specific cultural and historical contexts.