Pair of Candelabra 1873

This pair of candelabra, crafted in silver by Tiffany and Company, presents a compelling study in the endurance of classical motifs. At its heart, the figure of a woman supporting an ornate structure evokes the ancient Caryatids—sculpted female figures serving as architectural supports, seen in Greek temples. These figures were not mere decoration; they embodied the weight of tradition and the strength of the feminine. Observe how Tiffany's candelabra reinterprets this motif. Here, the woman carries the light, a symbol of knowledge and enlightenment. This echoes the torch-bearing figures of antiquity, yet it also resonates with a modern sensibility, transforming the classical ideal into a beacon of contemporary elegance. Such symbols are never static. They evolve, accumulating layers of meaning across centuries. As you gaze upon this candelabra, consider how it bridges the ancient world with our own, illuminating the enduring power of symbols to connect us to the past.