Friday, September 19, 2008

Candelabrum



The Pair of Candelabrum dates back to the early 19th century. The origin is unknown; it was developed in either France or England. Made from brass, bronze, glass, metal and felt, the candelabrum contains a circular, bronze stand, cylindrical body with a heraldic symbol. Topped with two bulblike forms, brass extending arms and floral candle cups containing glass prisms, this structure stands 14 inches high, 10 inches wide and 4.5 inches deep. It was first developed by the Nichols family, and later Rose Standish Nichols contributed it to the Nichols House Museum in the year 1960.
Looking at this piece I was amazed by the amount of detailing and precision it contained. The amount of time I took drawing this light fixture took quite a bit out of my day, I could not even imagine actually carving and placing this candelabrum together. The decorative manner that this object reveals shows any viewer the emphasis of detailing during the time it was produced. Everything from the glass prisms, the carvings on the bulbs and the figurine on the tapering cylindrical bronze body, states that this statue is very ornate.
Comparing this piece to some others during this period, such as the Four Light Candelabrum by Mortimer and Hunt, I see some similarities dealing with the amount of work and detailing put into the piece. They are both built with extreme craft and dedication. Bold, expensive and extremely well crafted pieces were very popular in Europe at this time.

On the contrary, the "new aged"candelabrum demonstrates completely different qualities as the older pieces. The single stand is made from glass and crafted in a completely different manner then the European influenced ones. It speaks in a more contemporary, new aged style.
This European, candelabrum masterpiece could sit by itself and speak on it’s own, but when added with a highly decorated piece of furniture I think this would look too overwhelming. The piece would look the best by standing on a simple end table. Overall I truly enjoyed the artwork that this fixture contained and it makes me earn to see more from the same artist.

Sources: http://nicholshouse.pastperfect-online.com/36637cgi/mweb.exe?request=record;id=C21640AF-37FD-42F1-AD16-318770843789;type=101
http://www.spencermarks.com/html/j413.html
http://www.studiosoft.it/shop_MURANO/variety-glassware-01.htm

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