Candelabra Supported by Putti 1600 - 1700

This is Niccolò Roccatagliata's, Candelabra Supported by Putti made sometime around the early 17th century. Roccatagliata, who lived and worked in Venice, Italy, sculpted this work out of bronze. Consider the period; Europe was captivated by ornate displays of wealth and power. Aristocratic families were seeking to secure their lineage and legacy. With its cherubic figures and intricate ornamentation, this candelabra served as more than just a source of light; it was a symbol of status, taste, and connection to the divine. Reflect on who had access to these objects, and the kind of labor required to create such an intricate piece. Roccatagliata's candelabra invites us to question and consider the stories and systems embedded within seemingly simple decorative objects.