Candlestick

Small candlestick from the collection of the Potocki family, made of silver, in Germany, dating from the end of the 19th century. A two-arm candlestick, the moulded circular foot evolves into a baluster-shaped shaft, finished with a cylindrical ring (resembling the candle sleeves), which is a base for two upwards-curving S-shaped arms. The arms are terminated with cylindrical candle sleeves. When the arms are removed, the cylinder together with the shaft and foot form a single-light candlestick. The foot of the candlestick is engraved with the monogram AP under the count crown, or the initials of Alfred Potocki, Entailer of Łańcut. Candles were already known in Antiquity, their wicks were made of linen covered with beeswax, however, in the less wealthy homes, animal fat was used instead of wax (tallow candles). Nowadays, beeswax candles are equally expensive so most of them are made of paraffin or stearin. The candlestick in question can be seen in room 66 on the second floor.