Candlestick
ca. 1550 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This candlestick exemplifies the great mix of cultural influences on Venetian brasswork. The shape was associated with Nuremberg in southern Germany. The density of the engraving followed the local fashion for Islamic design. The depictions of flowers, grotesques and Bacchus (the god of wine), rather than abstract interlaced work, have a distinctly Italian flavour.
In 1560 Venice was at the centre of trade between Europe and Muslim countries to the east. The city exported sheet copper and brass, which then returned in the form of elaborately engraved and inlaid metalwork for the local aristocratic market. Venetian craftsmen also copied Islamic designs. This candlestick is adorned with ‘arabesques’, interlaced vines and stems, which became a feature of European metalwork in the 16th century. The coat of arms in the centre suggests these brasswares attracted a wealthy clientele.
In 1560 Venice was at the centre of trade between Europe and Muslim countries to the east. The city exported sheet copper and brass, which then returned in the form of elaborately engraved and inlaid metalwork for the local aristocratic market. Venetian craftsmen also copied Islamic designs. This candlestick is adorned with ‘arabesques’, interlaced vines and stems, which became a feature of European metalwork in the 16th century. The coat of arms in the centre suggests these brasswares attracted a wealthy clientele.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Brass, interlaced with silver |
| Brief description | Brass candlestick, with a vase-shaped shaft, decorated with a narrow interlace in silver, Venetian, ca. 1550 |
| Physical description | Brass candlestick with a vase-shaped shaft, decorated with a narrow interlace in silver, the spaces filled with an engraved scroll pattern of Moorish design. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Gallery label | PAIR OF CANDLESTICKS
Brass, engraved and inlaid with silver
Venetian-Saracenic; middle of the 16th century |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This candlestick exemplifies the great mix of cultural influences on Venetian brasswork. The shape was associated with Nuremberg in southern Germany. The density of the engraving followed the local fashion for Islamic design. The depictions of flowers, grotesques and Bacchus (the god of wine), rather than abstract interlaced work, have a distinctly Italian flavour. In 1560 Venice was at the centre of trade between Europe and Muslim countries to the east. The city exported sheet copper and brass, which then returned in the form of elaborately engraved and inlaid metalwork for the local aristocratic market. Venetian craftsmen also copied Islamic designs. This candlestick is adorned with ‘arabesques’, interlaced vines and stems, which became a feature of European metalwork in the 16th century. The coat of arms in the centre suggests these brasswares attracted a wealthy clientele. |
| Associated object | 553-1865 (Group) |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 554-1865 |
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| Record created | March 11, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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