Six-branch chandelier

ca. 1580–1600

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 520

This chandelier reveals a surprise: the hexagonal body can be opened to hold incense or scented oil. The fragrance would escape through the openwork sides to gently diffuse scent throughout the room and surround occupants with its heady aroma. The chandelier’s intimate scale suggests that it was placed in a private residence, where its perfume would enhance merriment and cleanse the air of harmful vapors. Paired with the light of the flickering flames reflecting in the shiny gilded bronze of the drip plates, the hazy, sweet-smelling smoke would have created a stimulating effect.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Six-branch chandelier
Date: ca. 1580–1600
Culture: German, Augsburg
Medium: Gilded bronze
Dimensions: 19 7/8 × 33 7/8 in., 23 lb. (50.5 × 86 cm, 10.4 kg)
Classification: Metalwork-Gilt Bronze
Credit Line: Purchase, Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Acquisitions Fund, 2019
Object Number: 2019.228a–m
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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