Candlestick (one of a pair) 1755 - 1770

Editor: So, this gorgeous porcelain candlestick, one of a pair, was created sometime between 1755 and 1770 by the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory. It’s currently at the Met. What strikes me most is the chaotic energy of the piece, all these animals intertwined! What do you see in this, besides just beautiful craftsmanship? Curator: Indeed! The arrangement of boar and dogs reminds me of similar hunting scenes rendered in tapestry, paintings, and even garden follies of the period. They were rife with symbolism. Notice how the dogs, seemingly domestic, are pitted against a wild, dangerous beast. What does this say about man's relationship with nature, or perhaps even about the taming of base instincts? Editor: Hmm, taming instincts…so you see this as a symbolic representation of control? Curator: Possibly. Hunting itself was highly symbolic, wasn't it? A display of power, skill, and access to resources. This candlestick, a decorative object, then becomes a miniature theatre of social and philosophical ideas. The whiteness of the porcelain further enhances this, doesn’t it? Reminding us of classical statuary, thereby alluding to an even grander narrative. Editor: I never thought of it that way! The stark white background almost elevates the scene beyond just a hunt. Curator: Precisely! Think about the enduring power of symbols. The candlestick becomes more than just an object; it transforms into a potent signifier of societal values, struggles, and beliefs. What seemed chaotic initially now reveals itself to be a carefully constructed representation, wouldn’t you say? Editor: Definitely. I came in seeing only porcelain dogs chasing a boar, but I'm leaving with a whole new appreciation for how loaded an image can be. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! It's fascinating to see how everyday objects can embody complex cultural narratives when we look a little closer.