An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Pair of Candle Stands (torchères)c. 1773
Thomas Chippendale
This pair of gilded candle stands was made by Thomas Chippendale, the most renowned cabinetmaker in eighteenth-century London, for the grand drawing room of Brocket Hall, a large country house in Hertfordshire, England. With finely carved acanthus leaves, swags, fluting, and oval masks depicting the Roman goddess Diana, these candle stands exhibit Chippendale’s masterful understanding of neoclassical proportion, scale, and ornament. His landmark book of furniture designs, <em>The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director </em>(first published in 1754), was highly admired as a source of inspiration by cabinetmakers and architects around England as well as in Europe and America.
Candle stands usually held silver or crystal candelabra that were lit for evening entertainment.
Gilt-wood, gesso
Each: 154 x 56 x 51 cm (60 5/8 x 22 1/16 x 20 1/16 in.)
John L. Severance Fund
In the quietude of the grand drawing room within Brocket Hall, nestled amidst the rolling landscapes of Hertfordshire, two gilded candle stands stand sentinel, their golden surfaces glinting softly in the delicate light. Each piece, crafted by the illustrious Thomas Chippendale—London’s most celebrated cabinetmaker of the eighteenth century—holds a story waiting to be uncovered.
As the evening shadows stretch, one might imagine the graceful flicker of candlelight dancing upon the finely carved acanthus leaves that adorn these stands, their intricate swags and elegant fluting telling tales of artistry and passion. At the heart of each stand, oval masks depicting the Roman goddess Diana—a symbol of the hunt and the moon—gaze out as if to share secrets of an era long past.
These candle stands are more than mere furniture; they encapsulate Chippendale's masterful command of neoclassical design, where every curve and detail resonates with harmony, proportion, and beauty. His hallmark book, *The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director*, published first in 1754, served as a beacon of inspiration. Seen in parlors and drawing rooms across England, Europe, and America, it guided countless cabinetmakers and architects, a testament to Chippendale's enduring legacy.
As one observes these gilded creations, it becomes apparent that they are not just vessels for light but conduits for history, sparking introspection about the artisans of the past, their dedication, and the cultural tapestry they crafted. Here in their tranquil setting at Brocket Hall, they invite us to ponder the stories bound within their form—a dialogue between the past and the present, waiting patiently to be heard.
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
The best place to view Cleveland Museum of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.