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Candlestick
unknown - Enlarge image
Candlestick
- Place of origin:
Denmark (made)
- Date:
early 18th century (made)
- Artist/Maker:
unknown (production)
- Materials and Techniques:
Bronze, cast and turned
- Museum number:
M.635-1911
- Gallery location:
In Storage
By the late 17th century the design of brass candlesticks began to imitate those of silver. Thence forward, it is easier to date accurately and positively attribute national origins by comparison with fully marked silver examples. Technical improvements in the casting of both base and precious metal candlesticks also substantially altered their form.
Throughout the 18th century the most popular method of production was to cast the entire socket, stem and base in two halves and solder the two together. On brass candlesticks which have been vigorously cleaned the two stems running vertically down the ‘stick’ can be seen quite distinctly. This construction method made possible elaborately stepped bases and octagonal faceted stems. By the middle of the century, the base had been simplified; it was often octagonal with a depressed centr, but now the corners were concave and the stem of tall proportions.
