Ontwerp voor kandelaber c. 1864 - 1894

This is a design for a candelabra, likely dating to the 18th or 19th century, rendered in pen and wash. Though it's only a sketch, we can imagine the final object realized in metal – probably cast bronze or silver. Consider the amount of work involved, not just in the making of a drawing like this, but the object itself. Metal casting is a laborious process, requiring not only technical knowledge, but considerable physical effort. And what kind of social relations are embedded here? Candelabras of this kind were luxury goods, intended for the wealthy. Note too the figure holding up the branches – presumably made by a skilled artisan, who would themselves have had a definite social status. This drawing encapsulates a whole series of skills, and social arrangements, necessary for its existence. Seeing this design in all its material and social complexity challenges our typical understanding of fine art.