Candlestick (candeliere)

Art Historical Context

This exquisite candlestick, or *candeliere*, hails from the workshop of Durantino in Urbino, Italy, dated 1535. Crafted maiolica—tin-glazed earthenware petite piece stands just over 8 inches tall, blending everyday utility with Renaissance opulence. Urbino was a thriving center for maiolica production during the 16th century, where like Durantino's produced luxurious rivaling fine painting, often exported across EuropeThe gleaming tin glaze allowed brilliant colors and detailed scenes, typically painted in the *istoriato* style—narrative vignettes drawn from classical mythology. Here, motifs o...