Candelabrum (one of a pair) 1740 - 1755

This porcelain candelabrum was made by the Meissen Manufactory in Germany. At first glance, the work seems to be a harmless decorative piece. But its cultural context reveals a more complex story about the social conditions that shape art. The figure of the boy in Chinese clothing is an example of Chinoiserie, a European artistic style that reflected fascination with China and East Asia. But this wasn't innocent admiration. Instead, it was bound up with European colonialism and trade. The Meissen factory, for instance, was trying to replicate the formula for Chinese porcelain and establish themselves as the market leader. In this light, the candelabrum speaks to Europe's complicated relationship with the rest of the world, where cultural exchange was shaped by power and commerce. The historian can help us to understand this context, using sources such as trade records or colonial documents to help reveal the social forces behind the artwork.