Pair of candlesticks 1731 - 1732

These silver candlesticks were crafted by Paul de Lamerie, an artist working in 18th century London. As a Huguenot, Lamerie belonged to a Protestant group who fled France due to religious persecution, taking their skills with them. These candlesticks speak volumes about identity, craftsmanship, and class. Their elegant design catered to the tastes of the wealthy elite and reflect the opulent lifestyles of the British upper class during the Georgian era. They represent a fusion of French Huguenot artistry with English aristocratic culture, which shows how art objects carry cultural memory, embodying stories of migration, adaptation, and cultural exchange. Consider how these objects are not mere decorations but are symbols of status. Reflect on the lives of those who commissioned, crafted, and used these objects.