Pair of candlesticks

Joseph Moillet

1700–1701 · Silver · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

In the era before gas lighting and electricity, candles played a principal role in illuminating the domestic interior. Beeswax candles burned clean, has a pleasant smell, but were quite expensive compared to those made of tallow. The relatively small size of this pair of candlesticks, made in Paris by Joseph Moillet in 1700–1701, may be an indication that they were part of a toilet set or at any rate would have been used in private domestic quarters. Supported on an octagonal foot, the baluster shaft and candle holder are decorated with incised lines. The simple and clear design is typical of the period.

Artist

Joseph Moillet

Date

1700–1701

Medium

Silver

Culture

French, Paris

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Bequest of W. Gedney Beatty, 1941