Pair of pricket candlesticks

Art Historical Context

These elegant **Pair of Pricket Candlesticks**, to Reinhold Vasters exemplify the opulence of Renaissance decorative arts with a twist of later revival. Crafted in the second half of the 16 century—likely in Milan, Italy—their rock crystal shafts were adorned with silver-gilt mounts 1880–90. Standing at 13½ inches (34.3 cm) tall each, these pieces feature pointed prickets designed to securely hold candles, blending functionality with lavish beauty in European homes or ecclesiastical settings. The materials—crystal, silver-gilt, and enamel—highlight masterful 16th-century Italian techniques. Rock crystal, prized for its clarity and luster, was meticulously carved into slender, faceted forms, symbolizing purity and luxury. The later silver-gilt mounts, richly chased and enameled, evoke Renaissance grandeur, while the enamel adds vibrant, durable color, showcasing the era's innovative metalworking. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Department as part of The Friedsam Collection (bequeathed in 1931), these candlesticks offer a window into Milan's renowned workshops. They remind us how 19th-century artisans like Vasters revived Renaissance splendor, bridging centuries of craftsmanship for modern admiration.