Candlestick 1762 - 1763

Editor: This elegant "Candlestick," crafted in silver around 1762-1763 by Ebenezer Coker, now resides at the Art Institute of Chicago. The ornate details of the base and holder, coupled with the patina, suggest a rich history. How should we think about the artistry and making of this seemingly functional object? Curator: Considering it through a materialist lens, let’s look beyond mere aesthetics. Who had access to silver during this period? The material itself signifies wealth and power. What processes – smelting, hammering, engraving – were required to transform raw silver into this elaborate form? The labor involved in creating something like this candlestick speaks volumes. Editor: So it's less about the candle it holds and more about the socioeconomic structure its creation implies? Curator: Exactly. Think about the silversmith himself, Coker. Was he part of a guild? How did he learn his trade? His labor is embedded within this object. The chasing and repoussé work alone indicates significant skill and time investment. Consider the division of labor - were there apprentices involved? And how did the use of this candlestick reinforce social hierarchies? Editor: That's fascinating. It shifts the focus from the visual elegance to the tangible reality of its production and place in society. The subtle variations in the silver, the slight imperfections – they now speak of human effort. Curator: Precisely. Those ‘imperfections’, as you call them, reveal the hand of the artisan. It isn't just about design; it’s about the materiality, production, consumption and circulation of silver, its relation to trade networks, and ultimately, how all that connects to the culture of the period. We understand society through its objects, which reveal power relationships in ways that are often obscured. Editor: I see what you mean. Now, when I look at the candlestick, I am prompted to reflect on social relations behind it instead of being drawn only to the candle-lit glow within an aristocratic home. Thanks, I appreciate this shift of focus!