Candlestick c. 19th century

This candlestick, made of pewter, reflects a fascinating moment in the history of design. Pewter, an alloy of tin with small amounts of other metals, was popular for domestic objects, prized for its soft sheen and relative affordability. The candlestick's form would have been achieved by casting the pewter in a mold, after which it would have been polished to bring out its luster. The weight of the material gives it a pleasing heft. The simplicity of the design speaks to a wider trend, as the rise of industrial production began to change the landscape of decorative arts. The fact that this piece is anonymous tells its own story, as more objects were made for a mass market rather than being expressions of individual artistry. Objects like this challenge the traditional hierarchy that places unique artworks above the realm of craft and design, inviting us to consider the social and economic forces that shape our material world.