Chandelier 1868 - 1870

Editor: Okay, so this magnificent "Chandelier," crafted from metal around 1868 to 1870 by Mitchell, Vance & Co., really strikes me with its incredible detail and the way it just dominates space. There's almost something…imposing about it, despite its clear elegance. What do you see when you look at this piece? Curator: Ah, imposing, you say? That's an interesting choice of words. I see it, perhaps, as aspiration made manifest. It was a time of immense industrial growth in the United States. Think of the Gilded Age, and imagine the balls thrown beneath this, illuminating waltzes and whispered secrets. Those glass globes diffused not just light, but status. But also, consider the craftsmanship – it’s exquisite! Almost like peering into the mind of someone obsessed with capturing light itself. Editor: Status, yes! That's spot on. But that obsession you mention... does that aesthetic precision ever feel cold to you? Curator: Cold, maybe clinically precise. But think about the decorative arts. To truly excel, particularly back then, demanded intense study and precision, an obsession, even. Also, think of the hands that poured molten metal and shaped glass into such finery, each touch adding layers to this conversation we're having now. Perhaps what feels 'cold' to us today felt modern, scientific, even hopeful, back then. It's quite beautiful to contemplate, don’t you think? Editor: You've given me a new appreciation for the "coldness"—the skill involved definitely warms it up! Thank you. Curator: My pleasure. Sometimes, feeling the coolness lets us see the hidden sparks, right?