Candlesticks, table chandeliers

A candlestick is a single arm candle holder; a candelabra is a multiple arms candle holder, each arm holding a candle. In the Medieval era, candlesticks and candelabra were made out of wood, painted wrought iron or brass. Decorations were engraved or painted, and their shape could be embellished with moldings. During Louis XIV reign, candlesticks were made out of silver or bronze, but also ceramics or gilt wood for the more humble ones. Rococo then Neoclassic styles appeared in the 18^th century. Numerous founders and sculptors created lighting models, like Thomire, Ravrio, Claude Galle, Jean Hauré, as well as factories like Saint Louis, Baccarat, Sèvres, Saxe…In the 19^th century candlesticks and candelabra became a very important part of tableware and mantelpiece ornaments. Restauration and Napoleon periods promoted more ornate candlesticks and candelabra, with added sculptures and color schemes. At the end of 19^th century candlesticks became more imaginative, like zoomorphic pieces. During the 20^th century, this kind of decorative table lighting tends to disappear.