c. 20th century
Candelabra
Listen to curator's interpretation
Curatorial notes
This is a silver candelabra made by Georg Jensen, a Danish silversmith renowned for his contributions to Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movements. Jensen, who lived through a period of significant social change, created works that reflected the aesthetic values and cultural shifts of his time. The candelabra embodies a blend of opulence and handcrafted quality, speaking to the era's complex relationship with industrialization and artistic expression. Jensen was an advocate for artistic integrity, and said that a design should "live and be beautiful and vital in the hands of the user." The candelabra's function as a light source is also significant. Before the widespread availability of electric lighting, candlelight played a central role in daily life, infusing social gatherings with a sense of warmth and intimacy. As such, this object reflects the socio-cultural history of its time.