Ontwerp voor een kandelaar (No. 13) 1767 - 1823

Abraham Meertens created this design for a candlestick in pen and gray ink with gray wash sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. Immediately striking is the symmetrical arrangement of the design, structured around a central vertical axis. This axis is bisected by the curves of the candle arms. Note how the linear precision of the drawing is enhanced by the subtle use of gray wash, which lends depth and volume to the proposed sculptural elements. The composition, dominated by classical motifs, also includes stylized faces and draped fabric. This design reflects broader artistic and philosophical concerns of the era. The symmetry and orderliness suggest a desire to impose structure on the world, reflecting Enlightenment ideals of reason and clarity. The candlestick, as a functional object, embodies the intersection of art and utility. This challenges conventional hierarchies of value, asking us to reconsider the aesthetic potential inherent in everyday objects. The precision and clarity of the draftsmanship underscore art's capacity to not merely represent but also to shape our material reality.