Pair of candlesticks (part of a toilet service) 1683 - 1684

These silver candlesticks, crafted by William Fowle, were likely made during the late 17th century as part of a larger toilet service—a set of luxurious personal grooming items. Think about the era: the late 1600's. What did it mean to perform a toilet service? In a time when daily life was steeped in ritual, objects like these were more than functional; they were symbols of status and identity. Owning such pieces signaled a certain level of social standing, reflecting the hierarchies of the time. The candlesticks evoke questions about gender and class. Who would have owned and used them? What does it mean to live with objects whose purpose is to serve a very personal ritual? The engraved decorations, though subtle, speak to the artistry involved in creating these pieces. They invite us to consider the value placed on craftsmanship and the aesthetic sensibilities of the period. These candlesticks allow us to reflect on how everyday objects can carry layers of meaning.