An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Pair of Candelabrac. 1790–95
Founded in 1705 by Peter the Great, the armory at Tula developed steadily over the 18th century to become the center of Russian metalworking, especially in arms manufacturing. In the 1770s and 1780s, Catherine the Great took <br>a keen interest in the work produced there, sending several of the most proficient craftsmen to England to study the decorative application of steel in armories in Sheffield and London. Subsequently, the Tula artisans surpassed the metalworkers in Britain and elsewhere in Europe, producing decorative wares that were as precious and precise as their brilliantly embellished firearms. Empress Catherine was so pleased that she commissioned diplomatic and royal gifts of Tula ware as well as several noted examples of furniture in the distinctive Tula style of cut steel, gilt-bronze, silver, and gold.<br><br>The most recognizable characteristic of Tula ware was the use of beads of steel that replicated faceted diamonds and crystals. No other region was able to achieve the vividness of this technique in cut steel. Most works in Tula steel were small and precious such as inkstands, bobbin holders, buttons, footstools, single candlesticks, etc. These candelabra typify the Neoclassical taste in Russia during the late 1700s, a significant moment in Russian design because of the mature level of craftsmanship and style.
Decorative works in steel like this pair of candelabra were made by gun makers in the town of Tula, Russia, to impress the empress, Catherine the Great.
cut and polished steel with gold and silvered decoration
Overall: 40.7 x 24.8 cm (16 x 9 3/4 in.)
Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund
In the heart of 18th century Russia, where the rolling landscapes whispered tales of grandeur and transformation, there stood an armory that would soon become a beacon of artistry: the Tula armory. Founded in 1705 by Peter the Great, this establishment was not merely a place of weaponry; it was a wellspring of metalworking brilliance.
As the decades swept by, the Tula armory flourished, drawing the attention of Empress Catherine the Great in the vibrant 1770s and 1780s. An astute observer of talent, Catherine recognized the potential nestled within the artisanal hands of the Tula craftsmen. With ambition burning in her heart, she dispatched some of the finest artisans to England. There, in the bustling cities of Sheffield and London, they would study and master the decorative applications of steel, absorbing the wisdom of their British counterparts.
But upon their return to Tula, these artisans ascended beyond what they had learned. With newly honed skills and a fervent dedication, they outshone the metalworkers of Britain and the rest of Europe. Their creations were not just functional; they sparkled with elegance, transforming ordinary steel into extraordinary decorative wares that gleamed like precious jewels. Empress Catherine, delighted by this blossoming artistry, commissioned exquisite pieces from Tula for diplomatic occasions and royal gifting, ensuring that the intricate furniture—crafted with cut steel, gilt-bronze, silver, and gold—would tell the story of Russian elegance far and wide.
Among the captivating attributes of Tula ware was the groundbreaking technique of using beads of steel that mimicked the faceted brilliance of diamonds and crystals. This was a treasure unlike any other; no region matched its vibrant depth, no artisan replicated its finesse. The works birthed from Tula’s anvil were often small yet precious: inkstands that sparkled on polished desks, charming bobbin holders that seemed to dance, buttons that dazzled the eye, and single candlesticks that illuminated the shadows with grace.
These candelabra, with their delicate craftsmanship, epitomized the Neoclassical taste that swept across Russia during the late 1700s. It was more than a style; it marked a significant chapter in the tale of Russian design, reflecting a matured artistry that entwined beauty and functionality. In those moments, as artisans shaped steel with the whispered dreams of a nation, they forged not just objects, but legacies—each piece a symbol of a flourishing cultural identity. The story of Tula was one of resilience, innovation, and the peaceful harmony of art and craftsmanship, echoing through each era like a soft melody, resonating deeply within the hearts of all who beheld it.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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