Pair of candlesticks 1690 - 1691

Curator: Here we have a Pair of Candlesticks, crafted in silver by Jacques Demé around 1690 to 1691. They're currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: At first glance, they strike me as exceptionally ornate, even for their time. The cool gleam of the silver lends a certain severity, contrasting with the exuberance of the Baroque style. Curator: The Baroque is certainly present in the dramatic flair of the ornamentation. Look at the repetitive use of symmetrical forms, those tight curves and swirling motifs cascading up the stem, a real demonstration of artistic discipline within a structured aesthetic. Editor: It’s hard to ignore how these kinds of objects signaled wealth and power, especially in Louis XIV's France. Silver wasn't merely decorative; it reflected political capital, an era of extravagance fueled by colonial wealth. How were pieces like these viewed within that social framework? Curator: Functionally, they hold candles. Structurally, however, observe the interplay of the geometric base juxtaposed with the flowing ornamentation. The octagonal foot anchors the design while directing the eye upwards, leading to those medallion portraits framed by scrolling acanthus leaves. The craftsmanship speaks of exceptional skill and artistry, of course. Editor: And whose visages do we imagine peering out from those medallions? Noble patrons, perhaps, reminding anyone in their presence of status and influence. These candlesticks likely witnessed private rituals, possibly strategic meetings. Objects carry stories beyond their materials. Curator: That's certainly plausible, however I remain focused on the intentional orchestration of each formal component and element of the maker, from the proportions, and their calculated interplay with reflected light. Editor: Right, but I think examining them allows a peek into the power dynamics that permeated that historical epoch. A perfect intersection of politics and artistry! Curator: Yes, perhaps they underscore how historical context deepens the meaning and aesthetic intention found in even functional works.