Ontwerp voor kandelaber c. 1864 - 1894

Henri Cameré rendered this design for a candelabra in graphite, on what looks like a scrap of paper. Its Neoclassical style evokes the court of Louis XVI, with its symmetrical design and classical figures. It prompts us to consider the role of decorative arts in defining social status. Ornament, like this candelabra, served as a visual marker of wealth and taste, solidifying the social hierarchy. It can be seen as either a celebration of established power or as a target for critique during times of social upheaval, for example during the French Revolution. The Latin motto inscribed at the bottom, "Fluctuat nec mergitur," meaning "It is tossed by the waves but does not sink," hints at a cultural context of turbulence and resilience. The study of fashion plates, furniture catalogs, and interior design manuals can help us understand the cultural values and aspirations reflected in this kind of design. By understanding its original social context, we can gain deeper insights into the complex relationship between art, power, and society.