Chandelier

Art Historical Context

This modest chandelier, crafted between 1670 and 1700 by an unknown artisan, exemplifies early American craftsmanship from the colonial period. Standing just 21¼ inches (54 cm) tall, it is fashioned from iron and wood—durable materials readily available in the New World. The iron likely features hand-forged elements, a labor-intensive technique common before widespread industrialization, while wood provided lightweight structural support, making it practical for suspension in homes or taverns. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing and acquired through the Rogers Fund in 192...