Pair of candelabra 1747 - 1748

These silver candelabra were crafted by Paul de Lamerie, an English silversmith of Huguenot descent, in the 18th century. Reflecting the grandeur of the period, each piece features a muscular male figure straining beneath the weight of the candle branches. These figures, reminiscent of classical Atlas figures, embody the burdens of labor and the weight of societal expectations placed on men, while also speaking to ideas of empire and enslaved labor. The elaborate ornamentation, while beautiful, can also be seen as a symbol of the excesses of wealth and power during a period defined by colonialism and stark social inequalities. Consider the emotional weight of these objects. Do they evoke a sense of awe and admiration for the craftsmanship, or do they spark a critical reflection on the social structures that enabled such opulence? Lamerie's candelabra serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between art, identity, and the socio-political forces that shape our world.