Candlestick

About this artwork

hoogte 151,5 cm x diameter 46,5 cm x gewicht 50,2 kg

Art Historical Context

Behold the majestic *Candlestick* by Andrea del Verrocchio crafted between 1468 and 1469 in Florence during the height of the Early Renaissance. Standing an impressive 151.5 cm tall with a diameter of 465 cm and weighing a substantial 50.2 kg, this bronze masterpiece exemplifies the era's fascination with grandeur and technical virtuosity. Verrocchio, a master, goldsmith, and painter who mentored Leonardo da Vinci, works that bridged Gothic traditions with emerging classical revival, making this piece a testament to his workshop's renown. Bronze, cast likely via the sophisticated lost-wax technique, was a prestigious medium reserved for ecclesiastical and palatial commissions, symbolizing enduring wealth and spiritual light. Verrocchio's candelabra, such as this one, were designed for altars or grand interiors, where their height and heft amplified dramatic illumination during Renaissance ceremonies. The material's rich patina and structural integrity highlight the artist's precision in alloying and finishing, ensuring longevity amid flickering candle flames. This candlestick not only lit sacred spaces but embodied Florence's cultural zenith under the Medici patronage, blending utility with artistry. Visitors, imagine its glow casting shadows on marble halls—a poignant reminder of Renaissance innovation in everyday opulence.

About the Artist

Andrea del Verrocchio · 1435–1488

Verrocchio was active as a sculptor and painter in Florence in the second half of the 15th century. He had a workshop, in which Leonardo da Vinci trained, and a wide range of patrons, including the Medici family, the Venetian State and the city council of Pistoia.