Candlestick 1762 - 1763

This candlestick was crafted in the 18th century by Ebenezer Coker. Note how the vertical structure is organized into three distinct tiers: the ornamented base, the stem, and the candle holder itself. The material, presumably silver, catches the light in a way that emphasizes the curves and contours of the piece. Consider the interplay between the functional and the decorative. Each element of the candlestick—from its ornate base to its fluted stem—contributes to a sense of upward movement, guiding the eye toward the absent candle, the source of illumination and enlightenment. The piece reflects the baroque aesthetic and the philosophical fascination with light as a metaphor for knowledge and divine presence. The candlestick is more than a mere object; it’s an artifact that embodies a specific worldview. Notice how the structure destabilizes the categories of the mundane and the sacred, the functional and the aesthetic. It is a testament to our enduring need to invest even the most ordinary objects with layers of meaning and cultural significance.