This undated drawing presents designs for two candelabras and a pedestal. The elaborate, curvilinear forms suggest a European origin, likely sometime in the 18th century. Note how the designs blend classical motifs – acanthus leaves, urn shapes – with an almost exuberant flair. Who were these extravagant items for? The answer lies, in part, in understanding the social function of decorative arts during this period. Objects like these weren't just functional; they were potent symbols of status and refinement. The aristocracy and wealthy merchant classes competed to display their taste and wealth through their possessions. These designs, therefore, reflect the culture of consumption that fueled artistic production. As historians, we turn to archival sources – inventories, trade records, design books – to better understand the social context that gave rise to this drawing. Understanding the institutions and structures that shape art, helps us understand the art itself.