Candlestick

Art Historical Context

This brass candlestick, crafted by E. Durn between 1750 and1760, stands 5/8 inches and exemplifies the functional refined metalwork of colonial America. Made from brass, alloy valued for its durability lustrous appearance when polished it would have held a to illuminate homes during the hours. In the mid-18th century, as the American colonies prospered, such objects became important elements of domestic life. Candlesticks provided not only light but also a touch of elegance, reflecting the tastes and craftsmanship of the period. E. Durnall's work contributes to our understanding of how everyday items were produced and used in pre-Revolutionary America. Now housed in the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this candlestick was generously gifted in 1941 by James De Lancey Verplanck and John Bayard Rodgers Verplanck. It offers visitors a tangible connection to the material culture of early American households, where simple objects like this played a vital role in daily routines.