Pair of Candlesticks 1701 - 1702

Editor: Here we see a pair of candlesticks, attributed to Jacob Margas. They’re made of an unspecified metal and, well, they look pretty austere. What do you see in this piece? Curator: These aren't just candlesticks, they're embodiments of power dynamics. Silverware like this was often reserved for the elite, literally casting light on their privilege, while others remained in darkness. Editor: So, the candlelight itself becomes a symbol? Curator: Exactly! Think about the social gatherings where these were used. Who was invited? Who was excluded? This seemingly simple object illuminates those power structures. What do you make of that? Editor: It reframes something ordinary into a statement about access and class. It's a perspective I hadn't considered. Curator: Precisely! These objects tell a story far beyond their function.