Set of silver miniature candlesticks, P.A. van der Beek, Workum/ Franeker, 1860

Set of large silver miniature candlesticks, made by the silversmith Paulus Arnoldus van der Beek. He was active in Friesland from 1854 to 1880.

Paulus Arnoldus van der Beek started his career in Workum and Franeker. He worked there in the second half of the 19th century. From this Frisian period, it is known that he made much fine miniature silver and traditional silverware. He later moved to The Hague, where he remained active (together with his son Arnoldus) until the early 20th century.

Although this pair of miniature candlesticks was made in the 19th or early 20th century, they were deliberately executed in the early Haute Époque or Renaissance style (16th/17th century).

Characteristic of this specific design by Van der Beek is the use of pique-cierges (spikes) instead of candle sockets and the rustic, hand-forged tripod base. This type of historicizing silverware, where older, artisanal styles from Dutch history were accurately replicated in miniature, was at the time a highly sought-after collector's item for curiosity cabinets and dollhouses.

The miniatures are marked with the sword hallmark for at least second-grade silver. Also provided with the master's mark VdB with a compass.

The miniatures are in good condition.

Weight: 40.8 grams. Dimensions: 8.5 x 12 cm.