Candlestick 1755 - 1760

This candlestick was made by Myer Myers, a New York silversmith, sometime in the 18th century. It’s made of silver, of course, which is significant in itself. Silver objects like this one weren't just functional, they were a display of wealth. Consider the labor involved in its creation. The silver had to be mined, refined, and then worked by a skilled silversmith. Myers was part of a network of artisans who supplied luxury goods to a growing merchant class in colonial America. Techniques like hammering, casting, and chasing, all done by hand, shaped the metal into this elegant form. The candlestick's design reflects prevailing tastes of the time, but also Myers's own skill and artistry. Objects like this force us to recognize the connections between artistry, labor, and economic exchange. It is a testament to the craftsmanship of the past, and also to the social and economic forces that shaped its creation.