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Pair of Late Gothic Bronze Candle Prickets on Zoomorphic Feet

Pair of Late Gothic Bronze Candle Prickets on Zoomorphic Feet

Period
1500 - 1550
Origin
Netherlands or Germany
Dimensions
W 5 1/4" × H 10 1/4" × D 5 1/4"
Reference
#Marh3727

Price on application

Description

A pair of cast bronze candle prickets, each with a circular drip pan centred by a candle spike, supported on a baluster-turned stem and spreading circular base raised on three stylised zoomorphic feet. The prickets are cast in several sections and retain a rich dark brown patina with areas of verdigris and oxidation consistent with age and use. Evidence of hand-finishing and early casting techniques remains visible throughout.

This form of candle pricket is characteristic of northern European metalwork of the late medieval and early Renaissance periods, where such objects were employed in both ecclesiastical and domestic interiors. The use of zoomorphic supports and the restrained architectural profile are features associated with Netherlandish and Lower Rhenish bronze founding traditions of the sixteenth century.

Candle prickets were the principal form of candleholder in northern Europe before the widespread adoption of socketed candlesticks. Candles were fixed directly onto a spike, allowing even large wax candles to be securely displayed. Examples with zoomorphic feet are particularly associated with the late Gothic metalworking traditions of the Low Countries and the Lower Rhine, where animal forms continued to appear in utilitarian objects well into the sixteenth century. The survival of matched pairs is uncommon, making these prickets an evocative reminder of the lighting and material culture of the Renaissance interior.

Curator's Note

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  • Pair of Late Gothic Bronze Candle Prickets on Zoomorphic Feet

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    Pair of Late Gothic Bronze Candle Prickets on Zoomorphic Feet · Ref. Marh3727

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