Chandelier 1845

This chandelier, made by Archer and Warner, presents us with a material embodiment of societal hierarchies. Think about it: the very act of suspending light above us speaks to power dynamics. This piece would have been commissioned for a specific setting, probably to illuminate gatherings of people with a certain social status. It reflects the cultural values of a specific era. When was it made, and who was able to enjoy its light? Consider how it functioned within the context of gender roles of the time. Did the chandelier preside over spaces dominated by men, or spaces for women? How does the craftsmanship reflect the labor and social class of the artisans who created it? Even today, its presence evokes an emotional response, a sense of grandeur that prompts us to reflect on the history of class, status, and power.