Candlestick 1762 - 1763

Editor: This silver Candlestick, crafted by Ebenezer Coker around 1762-1763, strikes me with its intricate detailing. It seems like every surface has been sculpted with a flourish. How do you interpret this level of ornamentation? Curator: We see an embrace of the Baroque aesthetic, specifically its late iteration often dubbed Rococo, that emphasized asymmetry, grace, and elaborate ornamentation. Observe the undulating curves and the surface articulation of the metal. How does the light interact with these surfaces? Editor: It creates a play of shadows that accentuates the curves, adding depth and dimension to the form. Does the material itself – the silver – contribute to the overall effect? Curator: Indeed. Silver, with its inherent sheen, serves to amplify the reflective qualities. Consider how the object is constructed; it exhibits multiple sections which further allow for variation in reflecting light, each tier contributing to an increasing elaboration as the viewer ascends vertically along the pedestal towards its apex. Do you perceive any underlying structure in its design, despite the elaborate surface details? Editor: I notice a repetition of curved forms and a generally symmetrical arrangement. So, despite the flourishes, there is an order, which is interesting. It's a kind of controlled extravagance. Curator: Precisely. And we can understand the relationship of surface and material in this piece not as arbitrary addition but instead recognize them for being inherently intertwined – neither being truly apprehensible in isolation. How then would such insight assist us when pondering other artworks, regardless of era or medium? Editor: Thinking about the materials and how they are organized—the structure supporting the design, helps me better appreciate any artist’s choices. I’ll be considering this approach when viewing the rest of the collection! Curator: A rewarding path lies ahead for us both, indeed.