Images(5)

Candlestick, One of a Pair

Date1755-1756

Maker John Holland II

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsOH:12 7/16"; OW:5 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1936-443,1A&B

DescriptionCandlestick; removable nozzle with flat saucer with inward-curving sides and canted corners with gadrooned edge and tall bezel fitting within socket; cast open socket in the form of a Corinthian capital on a tall stop-fluted columnar stem; multiple moldings at base of stem above demi-knop with gadrooned face; upper section of base with tapered sides continuing profile of stem; face of this section fluted; stepped base of octagonal plan with upper stage of base circular in plan and gadrooned; shoulder of base gadrooned and edge of base molded; crest of a bird on a helmet within an oval with Latin motto (indistinct) surmounted by a crown on base of each and on face of each nozzle
Label TextThese unusual candlesticks are of hybrid form. Their bases correspond closely with those of late seventeenth-century columnar candlesticks, even including the pronounced knop at the bottoms of their stems, a vestige of the still earlier drip pan. Their stems of Corinthian columnar form with articulated capitals for sockets, on the other hand, anticipate fully architectural candlesticks, such as the set of four of 1761/62 by John Robinson of London (CWF accession 1945-5). A set of four very similar hybrid candlesticks of 1754/55 by John Wirgman of London are recorded. Other related hybrid candlesticks, without knops at the bottoms of their stems and with plainer bases of shaped octagonal form with gadrooned edges, include a set of four of 1754/55, probably by William Justus of London, a pair of 1754/55 by David Willaume, Jr., of London at Clare College, Cambridge, and a pair of 1755/56 by Peter Werritzer of London at Merton College, Oxford.
InscribedUnidentified crest engraved on face of each nozzle and face.
MarkingsMaker's mark "J.H" in script letters within a shaped reserve, leopard's head crowned, lion passant, and date letter on the underside of each base; removable nozzles unmarked
ProvenanceStair and Andrew Ltd., London