Mantle clock with two candelabra c. 1900

This brass candelabra was created by the Dutch architect Hendrik Petrus Berlage. Berlage was a key figure in the development of modern architecture in the Netherlands, and his designs often reflected a desire to integrate art and craft with industrial production. Berlage’s work responded to the social and cultural changes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the Netherlands, there was a growing interest in national identity and cultural heritage. Architects and designers sought to create a distinctly Dutch style that drew on local traditions. This candelabra combines the aesthetics of functionalism with a subtle reference to historical forms. Its clean lines and simple geometric shapes reflect a rejection of excessive ornamentation, while the use of brass and the emphasis on craftsmanship evoke a sense of quality and durability. To fully appreciate Berlage's designs, one should research the socio-political context of the Netherlands during this period, exploring the writings of cultural critics, architectural manifestos, and design journals.