Candlestick c. 1939

This candlestick was made by Fritz Boehmer, though we don't know exactly when. The material appears to be pewter, a metal alloy favored for its ability to capture fine detail. Consider the mode of production: pewter objects like this would likely have been made using casting and turning techniques, perhaps with specialized tools, to achieve this high-level symmetrical form. The beaded decoration adds to its decorative appeal. But we can also think about the social context of candlesticks. Before electricity, such objects were not mere decoration, but essential to daily life. This shifts our perspective, making us consider the amount of labor involved in producing and maintaining such everyday objects. The very familiarity of the candlestick obscures the work that went into it, its form shaped by an entire economy of production and consumption. So, as we consider this object, let's appreciate its function as more than just a vessel for a flame. It is a testament to the artistry of craft and design, and a tangible piece of social history.