Paschal Candlestick

The Paschal Candlestick, a religious painting dated to 1450, was created by an anonymous artist. The work depicts biblical figures including Adam, Eve, several saints, and apostles. Measuring 195.6 centimeters in height and 43.8 centimeters in width, the piece has been part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Specific details regarding the original commission, the identity of the patron, or the precise chain of ownership prior to its acquisition by the museum are not documented in the available records. The artwork remains attributed to an unknown creator from the mid-15th century.

The Paschal Candlestick is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where it is part of the museum’s collection of medieval religious art. The work is listed as an anonymous painting dated to 1450, with dimensions of 195.6 cm in height and 43.8 cm in width. Its precise inventory or accession number is not recorded in the documentation examined.

No exhibition history specific to this object is documented in the sources consulted, though the museum frequently displays it within its European Paintings and Medieval Art galleries as part of rotating displays of early Netherlandish works.

This Paschal Candlestick is a tall, slender wooden structure, resembling a miniature architectural tower. It features intricate carvings, including pointed arches, and is embellished with gold leaf. Small painted panels depicting robed figures against vibrant backgrounds are integrated into its design, contributing to its overall ecclesiastical aesthetic. A smooth, tall wooden spike crowns the piece, intended to hold a large candle.

The candlestick's construction showcases detailed woodworking, characterized by its tower-like form and the incorporation of pointed arch motifs, which evoke Gothic architectural styles. Gold leaf highlights the carved elements, contrasting with the dark wood. Within three distinct panels, figures are rendered with bright pigments and set against patterned red and blue grounds, creating a visual focal point that stands out from the sculptural base.

This type of elaborate candlestick served a specific function within Christian churches, particularly during the Easter season. Its design, with its architectural elements and religious iconography, reflects the aesthetic and devotional practices prevalent in periods when such objects were central to liturgical ceremonies. The integration of both carving and painting highlights a common artistic approach in sacred art.