"Metropolitan" Candlestick Prototype
Stern has inverted the traditional proportions of a column shaft, which would normally taper towards the top, giving the impression of strength and solidity (an optical effect called meiosis that has its origins in ancient Greek architecture). Here, the shaft tapers toward the bottom, lending an attenuated elegance to the design.
Artwork Details
- Title: "Metropolitan" Candlestick Prototype
- Designer: Robert A. M. Stern (American, born New York, 1939)
- Manufacturer: Swid Powell
- Date: 1983
- Medium: Polished and painted brass, painted steel
- Dimensions: 11 1/4 × 2 1/2 in., 3.1 lb. (28.6 × 6.4 cm, 1.4 kg)
- Classification: Metalwork-Brass
- Credit Line: Gift of Swid Powell, 1985
- Object Number: 1985.199.3
- Curatorial Department: Modern and Contemporary Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Robert A. M. Stern
1979–81
Robert A. M. Stern
1979–81
Robert A. M. Stern
Swid Powell
1983
Robert A. M. Stern
1979–1981
Robert Gober
1994–2001
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.