Candelabrum (one of a pair)

Art Historical Context

This exquisite silver candelabrum one of a matching pair crafted by Parisian silversmith Robert Joseph Auguste 1767–68, captures the grandeur of late Louis XV France. Standing 14¾ inches tall with a substantial 80-ounce weight, it was designed for opulent interiors, where pairs like these flanked tables or mantels to cast a warm, flickering glow during evening gatherings. Auguste's mastery as a warden of the Paris guild reflects the era's pinnacle of metalwork craftsmanship. In 18th-century Paris, silver objects symbolized aristocratic wealth and refinement, often commissioned for royal or noble households amid the lavish excesses of the Ancien Régime. The medium's durability and luster allowed for intricate chasing and casting techniques, blending functionality with sculptural elegance. This piece, bearing authentic French marks, transitioned toward neoclassical restraint while echoing lingering Rococo flourishes. Bequeathed to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1948 by Catherine D. Wentworth, it now graces the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts collection, offering visitors a tangible link to Versailles-era splendor and the silversmiths who gilded French high society.