Pair of candlesticks 1706 - 1707

These matching silver candlesticks, made by Thomas Merry I, reflect the 18th-century fascination with symmetry and light. Consider the candle itself as a potent symbol. In darkness, it represents enlightenment, hope, and the divine spark within us. Throughout history, the act of lighting a candle has been imbued with sacred meaning, from ancient rituals to modern religious ceremonies. We see echoes of this in Renaissance paintings, where candlelight illuminates scenes of revelation, and even in our contemporary vigils, where candles symbolize remembrance and solidarity. Note how the octagonal base grounds the candlesticks, giving them a sense of classical balance and order. The steady flame rising from this base evokes a feeling of serenity and contemplation. Like an eternal flame, it transcends its immediate function, engaging our subconscious with primal concepts of illumination. The candlesticks thus become more than mere objects. They are carriers of cultural memory, echoing across time with symbols of light.