Candlestick
Unknown Artist
late 15th century
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
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...