Candlestick (one of a pair) 1750 - 1775

François II Lacassaigne created this silver candlestick, now residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The eye is drawn to its symmetrical structure, moving from its square base upwards through a series of carefully shaped forms. Note how the craftsman uses line and volume to define its shape, creating visual rhythm. Observe how this piece invites us to consider the relationship between functionality and aesthetic expression. Lacassaigne merges geometric shapes with organic motifs, typical of the period. This interplay introduces a semiotic tension, a conversation between the era's love for structured order and its appreciation for naturalistic elegance. The candlestick, therefore, becomes not just a functional item but a cultural artifact. Ultimately, the candlestick is a statement on luxury and taste, reflecting broader philosophical and artistic ideas about beauty and utility during its time.