Candelabra (pair with .1384)

Art Historical Context

These majestic candelabra, standing over four feet tall at 123.2 cm high, exemplify a 19th-century revival of late cinquecento Venetian style—a nod to the opulent metalwork of 16th-century Renaissance Venice Crafted by an unknown artist, this (matched with .1384) intricate designs likely incorporating sphinx motifs, symbols of mystery and guardianship popular in Venetian decorative arts. The deep green to black patina the copper alloy enhances their antique allure, mimicking the natural aging of centuries-old bronzes and evoking the grandeur of palazzos along the Grand Canal. The use of copper alloy, a durable medium prized for its ability to capture fine details through casting and chasing techniques, underscores the piece's artistic significance. In 19th-century Europe, such historicist revivals reflected a Romantic fascination with the past, blending technical precision with elaborate ornamentation to furnish elite interiors. Though attributed to Venetian culture (with a question mark suggesting some uncertainty), they capture the city's legacy as a hub of luxurious craftsmanship. Now part of the Robert Lehman Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art since 1975, these candelabra invite visitors to imagine them flickering with candlelight, illuminating Renaissance-inspired evenings. A testament to enduring elegance, they bridge centuries of artistic tradition.