Design for a Candelabra 1765 - 1795

This is a pen and ink design for a candelabra, currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. At first glance, the work appears classical, yet a closer look reveals its complex structure. The right half of the drawing presents a fully realized candelabra, rich with detail, from the delicate curves of the candle holders to the ornate beadwork, and evokes a sense of baroque opulence. Conversely, the left half remains an unfinished sketch, a ghost of the candelabra. This juxtaposition highlights the transition from concept to creation. The sharp contrast between the finished and unfinished states serves as a visual metaphor for the creative process itself— a dialogue between what is and what could be. The work destabilizes the traditional notion of completion and challenges us to consider the value inherent in the artistic process. It invites an ongoing interpretation of form, function and artistic intent.