Project for a candelabrum
1791
Medium
drawing
Classification
drawing
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1908-26-148
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This delicate drawing, titled *Project for a Candelrum* and dated 1791, offers a glimpse into the inventive world of late 18th-century design Created by an unknown artist, it depicts a proposed ornamental candlestick, likely intended for lighting grand interiors or public spaces. As a preparatory in the tradition of architectural and decorative drafts, it captures the meticulous planning behind functional yet artistic objects, showcasing the era's emphasis on symmetry, proportion, and elegance. The year 1791 places this work in the early years of the American republic, a time when neoclassica...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...