Unusual Artifacts: The Neptune Candelabrum, 1818-1819

The Victoria & Albert Museum

Known for its triumphant depiction of the god Neptune, this magnificent candelabrum is adorned with a figure of the Roman god of the sea, depicted kneeling on a sea horse or hippocamp, on a rocky base cast and chased with shells and a host of other sea creatures. Neptune, as usual, bears a trident in his left hand and supports, with his right, a shell from which a hydra (that wacky mythical many-headed snake) springs out to form the branches which hold the candles.


Made between 1818-1819, this was just one part of a massive table garniture ordered by the Duke of York. In 1827, when the Duke of York’s silver was auctioned, the catalog listed the candelabrum as attributed to the antiquarian and silver retailer Kensington Lewis, whose trade card described him as “Silversmith and Jeweller to his R. H. the Duke of York.”


And, certainly, The Duke of York was Lewis’ most important patron.  Lewis’ business suffered enormously after the Duke’s death.

Unusual Artifacts: A Silver Chamber Candlestick, 1744-45

The Victoria & Albert Museum



For use at and in transit to the bedside, chamber candlesticks usually feature a short stem and small nozzle, and a handle attached to the drip pan, enabling them to be easily portable.

Thus example is unusual for its grandeur and sophistication.   The fact that it was originally gilt, suggests that  it was commissioned for a noble, aristocratic or royal household.   Paul Crespin (1694-1770), the maker, supplied items to patrons of such households.

The object depicts a cupid near the flower-shaped nozzle and twisted stem.  The whole of the piece is adorned with chased ornament. Crespin was clearly influenced by French ornamental designs. He worked closely with other French emigre silversmiths including Paul de Lamerie and Nicholas Sprimont. 

Object of the Day: Ecclesiastical French Candle Stand

At just over four feet tall, this French wooden candle stand was once used in a church as part of a pair. Crafted around 1870, the base is lathe-turned with hand carved fluting. The top sports an enormous spike which would have held a large candle in place. Candle holders such as this were utilized to flank the altar in Catholic church. Ebonized, with gold details, I was drawn to this object because of its stately proportions.

I’ve noticed a huge glut of ecclesiastical items in antique stores lately. It’s as if all of the old churches in the world have had huge garage sales lately. From candle stands to prayer rails to pulpits, church-related items seem to have flooded the antique market. I’m not quite sure why. Nevertheless, this item adds an imposing charm to my front hallway. Now, if only I could find a suitably beefy candle…

Decorating Tip: The Warmth of Candles

Aside from their obvious use as a source of light, candles also make for attractive accents around your home. Whether you display a candle in an antique girandole or in a simple glass votive holder, a candle adds a touch of charm and warmth to any room. Candles can be placed in a variety of rooms and places. Wall sconces add an elegant flare. Flanking a fireplace or doorway, or even on their own, a wall sconce reminds us of graceful days past.


When displaying a candle, you may find that the taper is too loose for the candle holder. Wax “candle fitters” can be placed at the base of the candle to stabilize it in the holder. “Candle Fitters” can be found in a variety of places by different makers. I prefer the wax ones because they blend in with the candle and don’t dry out the way foam fitters do.

Another thing to consider is lighting the candles for a moment and then extinguishing them to burn the wick. That gives the candles less of a stagey look and makes them appear to be more natural as if you actually use them.

If you do use your candles, make sure not to leave them unattended. Style is important, but so is safety.

Goal for the Day: Candlelit Evening

With our air conditioners running at full blast and our electric bills rising, our stress is mounting. Let’s make progress in creating our own Belle Époque by setting aside this evening for candlelight. Set an elegant table and dine by candlelight tonight. Aside from being romantic and graceful, everyone looks better by candlelight! If you’re more of a dinner-by-the-TV kind of person, you can still do that. Just light a few scented candles around the room and relax as they flicker around you. Candlelight is soothing. Watch the patterns of the shadows as the candles lazily move in the breeze. Your soul and your electric bill will thank you. Just remember to extinguish the candles before you go to sleep.

Object of the Day: The Girandole

A Girandole Suite

Before gaslight and well before electric light, the world was elegantly lit by candles. Nighttime activities were planned around candlelight and the properties of these flickering luminaries were understood and respected. Even diamonds were cut so that their facets made the most of candlelight.

In France, in the Eighteenth Century, girandoles were handcrafted from the finest materials. A girandole (from the Italian girandola) is an ornamental, branched candleholder. Crafted of silver, brass or gilt metal, these candleholders were decorated with crystal prisms to aid in reflecting and enhancing the light of the candles. Usually considered the most luxurious candleholders, girandole graced the finest homes. Often used in sets called “garniture” (a large central piece and two flanking pieces), the girandole was both a functional and beautiful home appliance. French ciseleurs crafted some magnificent girandole and the practice spread throughout Europe and later to the United States. Often museum pieces, girandole can still be found in some antique stores. Many have been electrified.

Girandole are sometimes attached to pieces of furniture or mirrors, however, in the strictest sense, a girandole is a metal support on a marble base, decorated with crystals.

The set you see pictured here is displayed in my living room. Crafted by the famed American lighting makers, Cornelius and Company of Philadelphia, this rare girandole suite, “The Dancers” dates circa 1830. Original Cornelius of Philadelphia works are difficult to find, displayed in museums with a set in The White House. I found this particular suite in an antique shop in Jefferson, Texas, while on a day-trip with Bertie and my parents a few years ago. Holding long crystal spikes, “The Dancers” sits on the mantle in front of a large Venetian mirror, filling the room with a beautiful assortment of colors.