Pair of candlesticks 1775

These silver candlesticks were made by Jacques-Pierre Marteau, a French silversmith, sometime between the late 17th and 18th centuries. Their creation coincided with the reign of Louis XIV and the subsequent Regency period, times of great wealth disparity in France. The ornate designs reflect the extravagance of the aristocracy while hinting at the labor of the working class. Silver, as a precious metal, was not just material; it was a signifier of wealth and status. These candlesticks would have illuminated the homes of the elite, casting light on their opulent lives, supported by colonial exploitation and forced labor. Consider the contrast between the cold, hard silver and the warm, inviting glow of candlelight. These candlesticks, beyond their aesthetic appeal, speak to the complex relationship between artistry, power, and inequality that defined the era. Their elegance is inseparable from a system that privileged a few at the expense of many.