Tafelstuk met kandelabers c. 1864 - 1894

Henri Cameré drew this study for a centerpiece with candelabras, using graphite on paper. While seemingly simple, this drawing speaks volumes about design process. The rough lines and visible erasures show us Cameré's initial thoughts, his wrestling with form and proportion. Graphite, a humble material, allows for quick and easy corrections, unlike the precious metals and meticulous carving that would eventually realize this design. The sketch gives us a window into the world of luxury production. Consider the highly skilled labor required to translate these fleeting lines into a gleaming, functional object. The transformation from sketch to centerpiece would involve casters, chasers, gilders, and more; a whole social network dedicated to creating objects of status. This drawing invites us to appreciate not just the finished product, but also the labor and thought that go into its making. It blurs the lines between high art and craft, reminding us that even the most opulent objects begin with a simple mark on paper.