Candlestick
ca. 1500
Medium
Brass
Dimensions
Overall: 11 13/16 x 5 13/16 x 5 11/16 in. (30 x 14.7 x 14.4 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Brass
Culture
South Netherlandish
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1964
Accession Number
64.101.1534
Tags
Art Historical Context
This elegant brass candlestick, crafted 1500 by the South Netherlandish artisan Jehan Aert vanicht, exemplifies the masterful metalwork of the late Medieval period. Hailing from the prosperous region of the Southern Netherlands—today's Belgium—such pieces were often produced in specialized workshops for ecclesiastical use, illuminating altars and sacred spaces during evening services or processions. Measuring about 12 inches tall, its sturdy form with a wide base and drip pan ensured stability while channeling wax safely, a practical innovation for the flickering flames of tallow candles. Van...