Two Taper Sticks
18th century
Medium
Glass
Dimensions
1931.730: 16.1 × 9.7 cm (6 5/16 × 3 13/16 in.); 1931.729: 16.1 × 9.9 cm (6 5/16 × 3 7/8 in.)
Classification
glass
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
86695
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Art Institute of Chicago's Department of Applied Arts of Europe *Two Taper Sticks (1931.729 and 1931.730) are a delicate pair of 18th glass candlesticks, each standing about 16 cm tall with bases around 10 cm wide. Crafted from clear glass, these slender objects were designed to hold thin taper candles—long, narrow wicks used for lighting rooms, reading, or dining before widespread electricity. In the 18th century, Europeanmaking reached new heights of refinement, particularly in regions like Bohemia and Venice, where artisans mastered blown-glass techniques to create functiona...
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...