Pair of candlesticks (part of a toilet service)
During the late seventeenth and early eighteenth century, the silver toilet set evolved into one of the most fashionable luxury accessories and was an eloquent symbol of the owner’s social status. Intact “garnitures de toilette” are rarely found but itemized descriptions include a mirror, an ewer and basin, glove trays, various boxes and jars for cosmetics and ointments, scent bottles, and two or sometimes four short candlesticks, besides other objects. Given their small size, this pair of candlesticks is believed to have been part of a toilet set made in Paris in 1736–37.
Daughter of one of the founders of the Weyerhaeuser Timber Company, Catherine D. Wentworth (1865–1948) was an art student and painter who lived in France for thirty years. She became one of the most important American collectors of eighteenth-century French silver and on her death in 1948 bequeathed part of her significant collection of silver, gold boxes, French furniture, and textiles to the Metropolitan Museum. The collection is particularly strong in domestic silver as illustrated by this pair of candlesticks.
Daughter of one of the founders of the Weyerhaeuser Timber Company, Catherine D. Wentworth (1865–1948) was an art student and painter who lived in France for thirty years. She became one of the most important American collectors of eighteenth-century French silver and on her death in 1948 bequeathed part of her significant collection of silver, gold boxes, French furniture, and textiles to the Metropolitan Museum. The collection is particularly strong in domestic silver as illustrated by this pair of candlesticks.
Artwork Details
- Title: Pair of candlesticks (part of a toilet service)
- Maker: J.M. (?)
- Date: 1736–37
- Culture: French, Paris
- Medium: Silver
- Dimensions: Height (each): 4 5/8 in. (11.7 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork-Silver
- Credit Line: Bequest of Catherine D. Wentworth, 1948
- Object Number: 48.187.255a, b, .256a, b
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Jacques Demé
1690–91
Jacques-Nicolas Roettiers
1775–76
French
ca. 1785
French
ca. 1790
French, Paris
ca. 1787–88
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.