Kandelaar op vierkante voet met inspringende, ronde hoeken versierd met schelpen 1729

Editor: Here we have a beautiful silver candlestick from 1729, made by Pieter de Keen. It has these elegant shell decorations on a square base. I'm immediately struck by its sense of restrained opulence—it's Baroque, but not *too* over the top. What catches your eye about it? Curator: Oh, it sings, doesn’t it? Like a little hymn to luxury! You know, the Baroque period was all about drama and embellishment, a real feast for the eyes. But you're right; this piece shows that less can definitely be more. For me, it's all in those shells. Can you see how they’re placed? Editor: Yes! Each corner of the base, and then repeated up the stem... like echoes. It feels very intentional. Curator: Exactly! Each shell feels like a little wink to Venus herself, adding a touch of mythology, of playful eroticism. And it's made of silver. I like to imagine it by candlelight... Do you think it was used every day or just for special occasions? Editor: I'm leaning towards special occasions! It seems too precious for daily use. Although, I can also imagine the warm glow of candlelight enhancing the details in the silver. Curator: It’s a puzzle, isn't it? To me, the charm lies in this mix of fantasy and formality. But whether it illuminated a merchant’s humble dinner or a duke’s lavish banquet… doesn't matter, its simple beauty speaks volumes! It makes me want to melt some wax and pretend I'm back in the 1700s. Editor: That image really sticks with me, thank you for sharing! I will think of its story in new ways now.