Candelabrum 1720 - 1749

This porcelain candelabrum was crafted by the Meissen Manufactory. Here, we see a delightful convergence of nature and artifice, typical of its time. The prominent avian figure reminds us of the bird motifs found in ancient Roman mosaics, symbols of vigilance and messengers of the gods. Notice the blossoming branches entwined with the candle holders; this echoes the "horror vacui," the fear of empty space, common in much earlier Byzantine art. Yet here, the naturalistic rendering of flowers speaks to a burgeoning interest in botanical accuracy, a shift away from purely symbolic representation. Such pieces carry a subconscious appeal, tapping into our deep-seated fascination with nature's beauty and fragility. The candelabrum thus becomes more than a mere object; it's a vessel of collective memory, where ancient symbols are reborn and reinterpreted in a new aesthetic language.