Chandelier

Date1690-1730

OriginEurope, Netherlands, Holland (possibly)

MediumBrass

DimensionsOH: 24 1/2"; OW: (upper tier) 20"; OW: (lower tier) 27"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1967-705

DescriptionTwelve branch chandelier; shaft in five parts from top to bottom: 1) larger circular suspension ring with screw attachment to top of iron suspension rod, 2) spool shaped section over a demi-knop over a baluster-shaped section above a broad short cylinder with six evenly spaced mortises for upper tier of arms and holes for securing pins with smaller baluster shaped section below; 3) large central vase-shaped section on a short spool above larger cylinder with accommodation for six arms of lower tier above a spool shape section, 4) larger plain sphere or globe, 5) drop consisting of small spool shaped section above flange with pierced terminal for ring below; two tiers of six arms each of similar design with upper tier of smaller size than lower tier and pierced rectangular shanks or tennons fitting mortises of conforming outline in cylinders of shaft with ball end securing pins; arms of S-scroll outline ornamented with eight scrolled tips and shaped above center and at end to give appearance of animal head forms with large dots for eyes; broad circular drip pans with flat rims of moderate width with plain edges, dished centers, and incised line on face of rim in center and paired on underside of pan in center; tall straight sided cylindrical sockets with molded and beveled rims, raised and incised moldings below rim and at base, and paired incised lines for mid-bands; sockets with screw attachment through pans and ends of arms; parts of shaft held together with iron suspension rod extending from top to bottom; tennons of arms and mortises for arms numbered with corresponding punched dots; all parts cast. Uninscribed as to owner.ProvenanceVendor: Mrs. Esther Allen, Annapolis, MD