Ontwerp voor een kandelaar (No. 1) 1767 - 1823

Abraham Meertens made this design for a candlestick, titled 'Ontwerp voor een kandelaar (No. 1),' using pen and gray ink with a brush in the late 18th or early 19th century. The drawing presents a symmetrical, almost architectural elevation of a proposed sconce. Observe how Meertens employs line and symmetry to create a sense of balance and order. The central axis, marked by a stylized plume and descending foliate motifs, acts as a spine, grounding the composition. Delicate curves extend outwards, supporting candle holders on either side. The restrained use of gray ink and the stark white paper emphasize the clarity of form, creating a neoclassical aesthetic of refinement. This design reflects a broader cultural interest in rational design principles and the revival of classical forms, revealing how aesthetic preferences were closely linked to philosophical ideals of order. Consider how the drawing embodies an intersection of utility and artistic expression, a concept that questions the boundaries between pure art and functional design.