 |
| Rock Crystal Chandelier Hampton Court Palace c. 1690 Crown Copyright The Royal Collection via The Royal Collection Trust Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Click on image for larger size. |
King William III (most probably) acquired this chandelier during the renovation and redecoration of Hampton Court Palace in the 1690s. The monumental fixture is built on a frame of silver which is entirely concealed by strings of rock crystal beads (affixed by lead), massive pendants and carved marigolds. Pearls are interspersed amongst the crystals. Surmounted by an enormous rock crystal crown, the twelve-candle chandelier is decidedly impressive.
Originally, it's thought, the chandelier was hung in the dining room of Hampton Court Palace. According to the Royal Collection Trust, "It may possibly be that seen and recorded by Celia Fiennes on her visit to the palace in 1697, as a, 'Chrystal Branch for candles', hanging in the dining room."
No comments:
Post a Comment