Figure of the Day: The Bronze Jester Candlestick, 15th C.

Bronze Candlestick
Germany
Fifteenth Century
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This handsome Fifteenth Century bronze figure heralds from Germany and takes the form of a fool or jester on a triangular molded pedestal adorned with three apes, of course, and resting on three lions.

But, this isn’t just a sculpture.  He’s a useful fool.  You see, with his extended left hand, he would support a candle which would rest upon his shoulder as he looked up at the flickering light. 

I think this is a very attractive and unusual piece, and exceedingly modern for having been made in the 1400s.