Pair of candlesticks 1715 - 1716

These candlesticks, crafted in the early 18th century by Thomas Folkingham, are more than mere light holders; they are vessels of symbolic resonance. Notice the octagonal base adorned with radiating lines, evoking a stylized flower, a symbol deeply embedded in the collective psyche. Across epochs, the flower motif appears from ancient Egyptian art representing rebirth to Renaissance paintings symbolizing beauty and virtue. Its endurance speaks to our innate fascination with nature's cyclical rhythm, echoing themes of life, death, and renewal. The candlestick's upward-reaching form mirrors the aspiration inherent in Gothic cathedrals. Similarly, it directs our gaze heavenward, reflecting humanity's perennial quest for enlightenment. This impulse surfaces across cultures from the pyramids of ancient Egypt to the ziggurats of Mesopotamia, revealing a universal desire to transcend earthly limitations and touch the divine. Consider how these symbols tap into our subconscious, sparking emotions of hope and reverence, thus underscoring the candleholder's power as a cultural artifact.