Candlestick (one of a pair) 1865 - 1875

This gilded candlestick, part of a pair by Bruce Talbert, presents a symmetrical composition in gleaming metal. The vertical axis of the candlestick is intersected by a horizontal beam, a structural clarity that brings a sense of balance and order. Talbert was a key figure in the Gothic Revival, and here we see how he reinterprets historical forms through a distinct emphasis on geometric clarity and structural logic. The circles, triangles and vertical lines are not mere ornamentation. Instead they reveal a deeper structuralist exploration of form, where historical motifs are distilled into their essential geometric components. The glittering surface and the strategic placement of red gemstone create visual intrigue, while the architectural design reflects a desire to integrate beauty with functionality. Talbert pushes beyond mere imitation, revealing an underlying structure of historical design. This piece asks us to consider how forms carry meaning and how artists can creatively engage with the past to produce something truly new.