Candlestick 1756 - 1757

This candlestick, crafted in the 18th century by Jean-François Balzac, presents a fascinating study in enduring motifs. Note the prominent shell at its center. The shell, an ancient symbol of pilgrimage, rebirth, and femininity, echoes through history, appearing in the art of Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" and adorning the architecture of temples dedicated to Aphrodite. Over time, it has transcended its pagan origins to become a symbol of Christian baptism. The candlestick, designed to hold a flame, taps into a deeper psychological yearning for illumination and guidance. Light, as a symbol, pervades our collective unconscious, representing hope and knowledge. These symbols are not linear in their progression but cyclical, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings as they reappear throughout history.