Two candelabra c. 1748 - 1750

Here at the Rijksmuseum are two candelabra of unequal size, made by an anonymous artist. The taller one is 42.5 cm and the shorter is 22 cm in height. These gilded, floral-encrusted sculptures are punctuated by the stark whiteness of porcelain swans. The choice of materials and the composition evoke a sense of opulence. The contrast between the matte white of the swans and the reflective, textured gold of the candelabra, creates a dynamic visual interplay, drawing the eye to the delicate balance of forms. The swan, a symbol often associated with grace, purity, and love, perches amidst a riot of floral ornamentation. These elements speak to a broader cultural fascination with nature and decoration, reflecting a desire to bring the external world into the domestic sphere. Ultimately, these candelabra exist as objects of aesthetic contemplation, designed to delight the eye and stimulate the imagination. They remind us that art is not just about representation, but also about the power of materials and forms to evoke emotions and ideas.