Meissen Porcelain Manufactory (established Meissen, Germany, 1710)
Pair of Candlesticks, early 18th century
Painted and glazed hard-paste porcelain with gilded bronze stand, 21.5 cm (8 7/16 in.)
The bronze base of each of these two candlesticks is created in a spiral-like design with small openings. From this base is a thin tree with a few small branches and leaves, all bronze, on each. On top of the base and in front of the tree, a small porcelain figurine stands. On one of the candlesticks the figure is clad in red, white, and black and he holds the tip of his long beard with one hand. On the other, the figure is clad in black and white and has a thin dark moustache. Each figure wears a black cap. Large. intricate porcelain flowers in a range of pastel colors adorn the tree limbs. A bud shaped cluster of bronze leaves at the top of each candlestick cradles a shallow glass bowl with a gold trim. White candles are fitted into the bronze bud in the center of each of these glass bowls.
Little Salon
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.