Ontwerp voor een kandelaar (No. 7) 1767 - 1823

This is Abraham Meertens’ design for a candlestick, rendered in delicate pencil strokes. The drawing presents a symmetrical arrangement, where the central axis anchors the composition. This linearity, reinforced by vertical lines and balanced curves, evokes a sense of classical order. The candlestick's design is characterized by a structural elegance. Consider the way Meertens uses line to suggest depth and texture, especially in the fluted central support. The floral and ribbon embellishments, though ornamental, contribute to the piece’s architectural feel. Chains gently arch between the candle arms, adding a subtle dynamism to the design. Meertens, working within the late 18th and early 19th centuries, reflects a period where decorative arts were rigorously considered. Note how this design encapsulates a transitional moment, oscillating between the weighty opulence of the Baroque and the streamlined neoclassicism that would soon dominate. The drawing functions beyond its practical intent, it manifests cultural values related to taste and class.