Ontwerp voor een kandelaar (No. 11) 1767 - 1823

This design for a candlestick was made by Abraham Meertens, likely with graphite and ink on paper. It's a material record of an idea, a crucial step in the production of luxury goods during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The drawing provides insight into the aesthetics of the period, showcasing a Neoclassical style with its symmetrical design and elegant, elongated forms. The design incorporates classical motifs, such as the female figure, and botanical elements, reflecting the era's interest in antiquity and the natural world. But it also speaks volumes about the division of labor, with designers like Meertens conceiving objects that would then be realized by skilled metalworkers. Designs such as these testify to the close relationship between artistic vision and the skilled labor required to transform ideas into tangible objects, often elided in conventional art history. It reminds us of the social and economic context in which art and design are created.