Kandelaar met medaillon 1772 - 1779

This is a design for a candelabra with medallion, made by Jean Pelletier in the 18th century. The design is abundant with motifs rooted in classical antiquity, such as the acanthus leaves swirling with ornamental energy across the surface. The medallion at the center, framed by laurel, echoes the Roman emperors' busts displayed to embody power and legacy. We see this desire to connect with the past in the Renaissance, resurfacing in the neoclassical obsession with Greco-Roman forms. Consider how these symbols persist - the laurel, once a marker of victory and divine favor, is now a mere decorative element, yet it stirs echoes of its former significance. This candleholder, a tool to bring light, is more than that; it is a vessel carrying the emotional and cultural weight of centuries. The interplay of light and shadow cast by its flames evokes a sense of time and memory, engaging our subconscious with historical patterns and motifs. The candleholder is reborn with each new viewing, illuminated by its embedded symbols.