Cleveland Museum of Art

Paschal Candlestick

Date

c. 1525–1550

Medium

bronze

Culture

Northern Italy, possibly Padua, 16th century

Department

European Painting and Sculpture

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

In Roman Catholic practice, a large candlestick holds the Paschal Candle, blessed and lit for the first time on Easter eve, then used on significant occasions throughout the year. Despite its religious function, the decorations here are entirely secular-ranging from panthers and bound satyrs to the heads of raptors and goats. These elements derive from ancient Roman sculpture and were especially popular among intellectuals in northern Italy, who were actively exploring connections among pagan traditions, ancient philosophy, and Christianity.

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