Dimensions: height 19.6 cm, width 10.8 cm, depth 10.8 cm, weight 398.0 gr
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This is a silver candlestick with an octagonal base and baluster-shaped stem created by Louis de Haan. The eye is immediately drawn to its reflective surface, the play of light and shadow accentuating the engraved rocaille motifs that adorn the piece. Formally, the candlestick presents a study in contrasts: the angular precision of the octagonal base and stem against the soft curves of the baluster form. The repetitive geometric structure gives the piece a sense of ordered elegance, yet the intricate rocaille engraving introduces a layer of ornamental complexity, disrupting any rigid interpretation. This interplay between geometric form and organic ornamentation reflects a broader artistic tension, between rational design and decorative impulse. Notice how the light interacts with the candlestick's surface, highlighting certain areas while leaving others in shadow. This constant fluctuation destabilizes fixed meanings, transforming the candlestick from a mere functional object into a dynamic visual experience. The candlestick engages us in a constant process of re-evaluation and re-interpretation.
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