Nine-light candelabrum 1838 - 1839

This nine-light candelabrum, standing at almost 3 feet tall, was crafted in England by Paul Storr, active at the turn of the nineteenth century. Objects like this candelabrum were not merely functional; they were potent symbols of wealth and status during the Georgian era. The mythological figures, like Neptune at the summit, and elaborate foliate designs weren't just decorative. They were visual cues, signaling the owner's cultivated taste and familiarity with classical culture. In a society deeply stratified by class, owning such a piece reinforced social hierarchies and asserted one's place within the elite. To truly understand this object, we need to delve into the social history of luxury, examining estate inventories, household accounts, and the writings of the period. By doing so, we can decode the messages embedded within its form and appreciate the role it played in shaping social identities and power relations.