Have you ever looked at a hanging chandelier and wondered how it came to be? Crystal chandeliers have long been an iconic symbol of luxury and opulence, as well as a pinnacle of beautiful interior decorating. These dazzling installations enjoy a rich history, not only in terms of their construction and evolution, but also their significance as a social symbol.
History
As a basic lighting structure, the chandelier dates back to medieval Europe, when simple fixtures were hung in large places of assembly to provide overhead illumination. These early chandeliers consisted of little more than a hanging wooden cross on which candles were attached by stakes.
Over time, the potential for chandeliers as devices of decoration, as well as utility, began to be more fully realized and both wooden and metal structures began to take on more elaborate and aesthetically pleasing shapes. Eventually, glass and crystal ornaments were added to metal frames to take advantage the the near light source, creating breathtaking sparkle.
Time Frame
The first decorative chandeliers became widely popular in the 15th century. The crystal chandelier enjoyed its height of popularity during the 17th century as a result of the development of lead glass in England. Before this time, some chandeliers were made with rock crystal, but the difficulty of shaping this mineral, along with its rarity, meant that crystal chandeliers of this type enjoyed little widespread use.
Chandeliers in the 18th century, particularly those of the 1750s, were heavily influenced in design by Rococco. By the 19th century, gas lanterns began to largely replace candles as the illuminating fixtures within chandeliers. Electrical fixtures started to become a part of chandeliers in the late 18th century, but at the same time, the spread of electric lighting meant that chandeliers lost much of their popularity as a means of illumination.
Significance
Chandeliers, particularly crystal chandeliers, have long been considered a sign of wealth and status. This is because the materials used to make them and the skilled labor involved in creating them were once so expensive as to be affordable only by the very rich and royalty. Nowadays, mass industrial production makes it possible for many middle-class homes and moderate business establishments to enjoy creations that are not so very different in appearance from their extravagant predecessors.
Types
There are many styles of crystal chandelier design, both antique and modern. The English, French and Viennese all competed in chandelier design at the height of the fixture's popularity, each culture bringing unique and distinctive designs to the art form.
Today, many newer designs of chandelier follow a more angular, Wright-esque aesthetic than their curvy ancestors, but crystal, as well as materials meant to emulate the look of crystal, remains a favorite look.
Features
Chandelier design has its own set of terminology to describe various common features of crystal chandeliers. For instance, the term "bag" in chandelier design refers to the look of many strings of crystal beads forming a sort of hollow teardrop shape, fastened at the widest point to a circular metal ring. Hanging pieces of crystal are known as "drops," while a "spire" is a tall spike of glass.
Tags: chandelier design, 18th century, chandeliers have, chandeliers have long, crystal chandelier,