Girandoles Possibly 1849

These five ‘Girandoles,’ or ornamental candle holders, were made in the United States by William F. Shaw, most likely during the late 19th century. Their design tells us much about the relationship between America and Europe at this time. Note how each candle holder is adorned with a delicate, miniature cathedral, each reminiscent of the Milan Cathedral. This interest in European architecture speaks to the cultural aspirations of the American upper classes, who sought to emulate the grandeur and history of Europe. The girandoles’ elaborate design and use of costly materials like gilt bronze and cut glass would signal wealth and sophistication. To fully understand these objects, we can turn to period sources, such as decorative arts journals and exhibition catalogs, to learn more about the cultural values of the time and the role of institutions in shaping artistic taste. This helps us interpret the girandoles as symbols of social status and cultural identity in a rapidly changing American society.