Kandelaar met bloemmotief 1772 - 1779

Curator: Welcome. We’re looking at "Kandelaar met bloemmotief", or "Candlestick with floral motif", a print from around 1772-1779 currently residing in the Rijksmuseum. Editor: Simple elegance, wouldn't you say? It gives me a very classical feeling; somehow reserved, despite the flourishes. Like it belongs in a quiet study or something. Curator: Absolutely. This is a drawing and engraving by Jean Pelletier. Its worth lies not only in aesthetics, but in its functionality; providing templates for craftsmen, it bridges high art with practical application. Editor: That’s fascinating! So, this wasn’t necessarily meant to *be* art, but rather inspire art in a different form. The delicate floral engraving looks precise, probably hard to transfer onto other media but the artisan intention gives me goosebumps! Curator: Exactly. And it highlights the social context of production. Objects like candlesticks weren’t just decorative, they were crucial for daily life. So design drawings held significant value, which, through its material production as print becomes somewhat democratic. Editor: So true. It makes me think about how everyday objects carry so much hidden significance, both practical and symbolic. A humble object that elevates! Is it just me, or does this sort of detail also showcase how we, even back then, imbued ordinary tools with aspiration? It’s beautiful! Curator: That's a really great point; we often see that desire reflected in the materials and production methods artists and craftsmen chose. I see how its creation is tied directly to function, economy, and those deeper cultural longings. Editor: I like the sound of this connection. It gives the candlestick a soulful kind of resonance. Thanks for opening my eyes, I think I'm now ready to go acquire every candlestick I can find.