Kandelaar van zilver met vierkante voet en ronde stam, kaarsenhouder en losse vetvanger. 1783

This silver candlestick with a square base and round stem, crafted by Johannes Henricus Pluygers, is adorned with symbols that resonate through time. Note the laurel motifs around the base, symbolizing victory and eternal life, echoing ancient Greek and Roman traditions where laurel wreaths crowned triumphant figures. These aren't merely decorations; they tap into our collective memory, evoking a sense of reverence and triumph. The faces amidst the wreaths evoke the classical masks of the theatre. Observe how similar motifs appear in Renaissance paintings and Baroque sculptures, each time imbued with fresh cultural significance. The subconscious allure of these familiar forms stirs emotions deep within us. The laurel and the faces, once emblems of pagan glory, were later adopted and reshaped by Christianity, symbolizing spiritual victory and divine favor. This cyclical progression, from ancient laurels to Christian iconography, highlights how symbols evolve, resurface, and adapt, constantly engaging us in a timeless cultural dialogue.