Candelabra

Candelabra is a tall standing candle holder made of metal, usually painted and gilded, known since antiquity. In the 17th century the most common candlesticks were double (for two candles), in the 18th century candlesticks with three arms and in the 19th century multi-arm candlesticks. The four-light candelabra from the collection if the Potocki family was made in the Empire style and dates back to the first half of the 19th century. This candelabra (one of two) is placed as decoration on the fireplace in the bedroom of the Men’s Suite located on the first floor. The Łańcut candelabra from the museum’s collection has five arms. The base is made of polished and gilded brass and copper, in the shape of a cylindrical plinth topped with a ball. It rests on a square profiled base. The shaft is artificially patinated, it has the shape of a winged Nike, holding a goblet in both hands raised upwards. The chalice of the goblet has s-shaped arms decorated with two volutes attached to it. The arms end in rolled sleeves designed to hold the candles. The entire candelabra is painted dark brown with a tinge of black. Candle was widely used as a source of light until the invention of the incandescent lamp, that is until the 19th century, and then its use was dictated by aesthetic values. Candles were already known in Antiquity, their wicks were made of linen covered with beeswax, however, in the homes of less wealthy users, animal fat was used instead of wax (tallow candles).