This exceptional silver chandelier was made in Spain during
the 17th century. Of imposing size and significant weight (8.7 Kg), it demonstrates the
quality of the chiselling and the extreme opulence of Spanish goldsmithing
during the Golden Age, when silver was flowing in from the South American mines
of Potosi and Mexico. It is a rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional piece
of 17th century silverware: many have been melted down over the centuries and those
that remain are now often in religious buildings or in public collections.
Our chandelier is surmounted by a sculpted hemispherical
cover to which six chains with architectural links are attached: three support
a smaller openwork crown, placed high up, and three serve to carry the main
bowl around which are attached the nine curved plant-shaped branches that can
hold candles. This main bowl is structured on three levels: a crown decorated
with alternating plant scrolls and medallions in relief to which the lights are
attached, a central basin decorated with acanthus leaves and large medallions
also in relief, under which we find a very light openwork architectural element
as a pendant.
The ornamental grammar, typical of Spanish Renaissance
art, heralds the Baroque period: acanthus leaves and plant scrolls, large
medallions in relief, architectural motifs on the chains and the pendant.
The overall balance of this chandelier evokes the
votive lamps which were used in shrines, as the intermediate crown could be
used to hang a glass receptacle containing a candle or an oil lamp. The
presence of the nine lights and the absence of religious motifs suggests however
a secular purpose for this exceptional piece.
As is often the case in Spanish silverware, no elements
have been hallmarked.
While the whole chandelier dates from the 17th century,
the bobèches on the nine lights (also in silver) are modern and are either
recent additions or replacements for missing elements. They are the only
non-original parts of the chandelier.