Pair of candlesticks 1714 - 1715

These candlesticks, crafted in the early 18th century by Thomas Merry, are more than mere domestic objects. They are silent bearers of light, illuminating not just rooms, but also the complex interplay between form and function. Notice the geometric base, an echo of architectural foundations, providing stability but also hinting at deeper symbolic connections. The candlestick evolves into a slender, almost anthropomorphic form. The light held above becomes a beacon, a motif that transcends eras. From ancient Roman lamps to medieval church candles, the act of elevating light has always carried spiritual weight. Consider the contrast of light and shadow, a visual representation of the human condition, reflecting the ever-present dance between knowledge and the unknown. This interplay is not static, but fluid, mirroring how we navigate our own paths through time and space. As the flame flickers, it reminds us that symbols, too, are not fixed, but continually reshaped by culture and memory.