Candlestick 1700 - 1800

This candlestick was crafted by Diego Gonzales de la Cueva, in the 18th century. Immediately striking is the intricate play of geometry and light across its silver form. Observe how the octagonal base transitions into a complex series of curves and rectilinear elements that ascend towards the candle holder. This shape creates a rhythmic visual experience, almost musical in its composition. The candlestick is more than a functional object. It embodies a semiotic system where each curve, line, and angle serves as a signifier. The reflective surface captures and distorts light, constantly altering the viewer's perception and challenging the stability of the object's form. We see how De la Cueva uses the medium to engage with contemporary philosophical ideas about perception and representation. Notice how the verticality of the design is grounded by the firm base, creating a sense of balance and stability. This interplay between stability and the dynamic movement of light functions aesthetically and anchors the candlestick in broader cultural discourses about order, beauty and the human relationship with the divine.