Candlestick

Unknown Artist

late 15th century

Candlestick by Unknown Artist

Medium

Copper alloy

Dimensions

Overall: 20 3/4 in. (52.7 cm)

Classification

Metalwork-Copper alloy

Culture

German or South Netherlandish

Department

The Cloisters

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Rogers Fund, 1940

Accession Number

40.130.1

Tags

Candlesticks

Art Historical Context

This elegant candlestick, crafted in the late 15th century from copper alloy, stands an impressive 20¾ inches tall, embodying the refined metalworking traditions of German or South Netherlandish artisans. Housed in The Cloisters at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it exemplifies the period's blend of functionality and subtle artistry, likely designed for ecclesiastical or domestic use during an era when candlelight was vital for illumination in dimly lit Gothic interiors. Copper alloy, a durable and malleable material often akin to brass, was prized for its golden sheen and resistance to corro...

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