Candelabrum (one of a pair) 1742 - 1743

This silver candelabrum was crafted by David Willaume II in the 18th century. Notice the elaborate, swirling acanthus leaves adorning its base and stem, symbols deeply rooted in classical antiquity. The acanthus, frequently seen in Greek and Roman architecture, signified enduring life and rebirth. Think of the Corinthian columns, their capitals crowned with acanthus, a testament to eternal beauty. But observe how Willaume transforms this ancient motif. No longer static and rigid, the leaves twist and unfurl with baroque dynamism, mirroring the era's taste for opulence and drama. Consider also the psychological weight of light. The candelabrum, designed to hold and amplify light, serves not just a practical purpose, but also a symbolic one: dispelling darkness, illuminating truth, evoking the divine. This interplay between darkness and light echoes in countless religious and artistic traditions, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, and serving as a potent reminder of our collective quest for knowledge and enlightenment. The motif of vegetal adornment around the candles is a symbol that cyclically resurfaces to take on new meanings.