Pair of candlesticks 1701 - 1702

Curator: These baroque candlesticks, crafted in silver by Charles Petit between 1701 and 1702, exude a stately elegance. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the repetitive ridged patterns. The material seems so meticulously worked. What's the story behind these gleaming objects? Curator: They reflect the opulence of the era, adorning the homes of the aristocracy, signaling power and refined taste. These weren't just light sources; they were social statements. Editor: The fact that they're silver and crafted with such detail also tells a tale of intense labor. How many artisans were involved in bringing Petit's vision to life, and what were their working conditions? Curator: It is fascinating to imagine the guild system in play, controlling production and setting standards. Silver objects, such as this pair of candlesticks, adhered to rigid social protocols concerning design, production, and circulation. Editor: Right, so not just about pure artistry, but deeply intertwined with the economics and labor practices. The repetitive ornamentation becomes less about aesthetic appeal, but about the hours dedicated to shaping this precious metal. Curator: The presence of stylized faces too, typical baroque imagery, contributes to the aesthetic but also acted as identifiers or marks for the workshops involved. Their decorative impact played a vital role within societal spaces. Editor: Thinking about those craftspeople bent over benches, and then picturing them illuminating grand halls… It’s quite a stark contrast in lived experience expressed through an object of decorative art. The means of lighting in the household reflects on labor history. Curator: These candlesticks epitomize a historical era where artistic vision meets social hierarchy. The level of silverwork demonstrates that art could certainly also make very bold, sometimes brash, political statements. Editor: Reflecting on that era through the lens of materiality has shifted my perspective. Beyond the formal artistry, I now see this as a physical manifestation of societal structures—transformed materials shaped by hands, reflecting complex networks of power and artistry.