Dolphin Candlestick 1935 - 1942

Giacinto Capelli dreamed up this candlestick using pencil and watercolor. I love how the dolphin form becomes the support – what a brilliant way to merge nature and design! I’m wondering if Capelli labored over the object, trying to capture its essence, its potential for mass production. The paint is thin, almost like a wash, allowing the form to emerge gradually. The overall effect is one of lightness and fluidity. See how the subtle variations in the yellow tones suggest the play of light on the metal surface? It reminds me of the way Renaissance artists would study classical forms, trying to understand the secrets of beauty and proportion. In a way, all artists are in conversation with each other, borrowing and building upon the ideas of the past. This candlestick design is a reminder that even the most functional objects can be a source of inspiration and wonder.