Candlestick (one of a set of six) 1675 - 1682

This candlestick, one of a set of six, was crafted in York, England by I. O. around the late 17th century, from silver. Beyond its function, the object speaks to the intricate social and economic structures of its time. Silver, then as now, was a commodity of wealth, and owning such a set reflected a household's affluence. The candlestick bears a heraldic crest which indicates that it may have been specifically commissioned for a family with aristocratic connections; The crest could be identified through research in period armorials. The candlestick offers a glimpse into the material culture of 17th-century England. To study such an object fully, we need to delve into the records of silversmithing guilds, family papers, and inventories, piecing together a richer understanding of its creation, ownership, and the social rituals it once served. The meaning of art objects is always contingent on their social and institutional context.