Koperen kroonluchter met twaalf armen before 1880

This is a copper chandelier with twelve arms, its maker remains anonymous. The dimensions of the chandelier are 340 mm in height and 229 mm in width. It's fascinating to consider this object that once illuminated spaces, likely within the homes of the wealthy or in grand public buildings. In a time before electricity, light was power, and the control of it spoke volumes about social hierarchies. How did the light cast by such a chandelier affect the experiences of those beneath it? Consider too, the identity of the craftsman who fashioned this piece. Though their name is lost to us, their skill and artistry are undeniable. Their labor, often unseen and unacknowledged, contributed to the ambiance and status of a space. It makes one wonder what narratives of artistry and labor are illuminated, and which remain in the shadows.