Egyptomania candelabrum (one of a pair) 1797 - 1807

Editor: This striking bronze candelabrum, made between 1797 and 1807, is attributed to Alexis Decaix and it's titled "Egyptomania candelabrum." Its surface glows, catching light and shadow in every intricate detail. The object somehow feels both functional and symbolic. What strikes you most about it? Curator: It's fascinating how Decaix blends the Neoclassical with Egyptian motifs. Consider the sphinxes supporting the base – ancient guardians repurposed in a modern, European context. What do they evoke for you? What memories do they stir from the past? Editor: They remind me that European art and culture weren't developed in a vacuum – they’ve long pulled from global aesthetics. They feel... appropriative. Curator: Precisely. The Egyptomania style reflects a fascination, bordering on obsession, with a culture that was both ancient and newly "discovered" by Europeans. Do you think the candelabrum would hold the same power if the base depicted purely Neoclassical figures? Editor: No, I think the power comes from the exotic and maybe problematic combination. The candelabrum takes on the essence of cultural interplay and the narrative of historical perspectives that formed this melting pot. Curator: A melting pot indeed, of style and ideology. And, do you find that the golden color contributes to a sense of royalty or power associated with the piece? Editor: Yes, absolutely. It makes it feel incredibly opulent, as if it should belong in a palace. The golden finish feels deliberate to amplify a symbol of power. Curator: Decaix brilliantly captures the spirit of his time. His work exemplifies the transformative power of symbols when embraced in times of cultural exploration and expansion. I now consider it to be so much more than a functional piece! Editor: I totally agree. Thank you for illuminating how the images connect us to collective cultural experiences!