Mechelen, 1786 – Pair Of Solid Silver Candlesticks By Jozef De Beef, Mechelen, 1786.

Mechelen, 1786 – Pair of solid silver candlesticks by Jozef de Beef

Mechelen, 1786. An exceptional pair of solid silver candlesticks crafted by master silversmith Jozef de Beef, who was active from 1775 to 1841.

Both candlesticks bear the Mechelen hallmarks as well as their date letter corresponding to the year 1786, attesting that they were made in the same year.

This pair is distinguished by its exceptionally high quality of craftsmanship. The truncated conical shafts are fully fluted and accented in the middle by a band adorned with circular relief appliqués. The candle holders, also fluted, rest on a molding decorated with water leaves. The flared bases feature a rich, radiating design of twisted godrons, accented by a row of pearls and a frieze of finely worked acanthus leaves.

The craftsmanship is remarkable, both for the precision of the decoration and for the balance of the proportions and the quality of the casting. Their exceptional weight of 975 grams per pair deserves special attention. Such a mass of silver is uncommon for 18th-century Belgian candlesticks and attests to a particularly luxurious craftsmanship, with a significant thickness of metal.

This quality of casting and the substantial amount of material have also contributed to their remarkable state of preservation. The pair is entirely original and shows no signs of restoration, particularly on the shafts. On this type of 18th-century candlestick, this part is frequently weakened or restored due to the repeated mechanical stress caused by handling. Here, both pieces have retained their full structural integrity.

With their unusual weight, fine craftsmanship, rich decoration, and impeccable condition, these candlesticks are a beautiful example of late 18th-century Mechelen goldsmithing.

Characteristics

• Type: pair of candlesticks
• Origin: Mechelen
• Date: 1786
• Hallmarks: Mechelen hallmarks and the date letter “1786” on each candlestick
• Master silversmith: Jozef de Beef
• Period of activity: 1775–1841
• Material: solid silver
• Style: Louis XVI, Neoclassical
• Decoration: fluted shafts and bases, circular relief appliqués, water leaves, a row of pearls, acanthus leaves, and twisted radiating gadroons
• Height: 27 cm
• Weight: 975 g per pair
• Condition: exceptional state of preservation, entirely original, with no restoration or repairs, particularly on the shafts; very slight signs of wear consistent with its age.