Candlestick (one of a set of six)

Art Historical Context

This elegant silver candlestick, one a rare set of six, hails from 18th-century Portugal and stands at a graceful 12 inches (30.5 cm) tall. Crafted in the tradition of European metalwork, it exemplifies the exquisite silversmithing techniques of the period, likely involving chasing, embossing, and possibly gilding to create intricate designs that caught the flicker of candlelight. As a piece of decorative arts, such candlesticks were prized possessions, illuminating grand homes, churches, or palaces while symbolizing wealth and refined taste. In the context of Portugal's Golden Age during the...