Candlestick 1694 - 1695

Curator: Let’s consider this intriguing pair of candlesticks, crafted from silver by Thomas Ash, likely between 1694 and 1695. You can currently find them here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Editor: They have an undeniably austere beauty. Almost...imposing, in a way, despite being domestic objects. It makes me think about rituals and formality. Curator: Absolutely. We see in them a clear example of the Baroque aesthetic applied to everyday life. Consider the political implications during the reign of William III. Craftsmanship like this reinforced hierarchies, echoing power and stability. The symmetry itself can be read as a symbol of order and control. Editor: I'm fascinated by that columnar form – such an ancient symbol! The fluted shaft and decorative capital allude directly to classical architecture. And of course, light itself carries layers of meaning: enlightenment, divinity, hope. But there's also a sense of fleeting time in the candle's flame, the reminder of mortality present even at grand feasts and political dealings. Curator: Yes, and looking at their material, silver, what does its shine communicate? In that period, possessing finely crafted silver objects marked an elevation in social standing and wealth, and they participated in maintaining class structures. The candlestick becomes more than functional: it's a marker of identity. Editor: The light reflecting off the silver amplifies its significance, both literally and symbolically. These were meant to impress and awe, reinforcing the idea that those who held power were, in some way, divinely sanctioned. It’s powerful how such simple items could represent so much more than just illumination. Curator: Indeed, by looking at the material, form, and societal context, we can start to question the narratives of wealth and status embedded in even the most apparently simple things, reminding us that domestic objects are often charged with political meaning. Editor: Thank you, that’s been incredibly enlightening – a chance to consider both the symbolic depth and socio-political realities held within seemingly simple objects like these candlesticks.