Mid-drip (Heemskerk)
There are numerous ways to identify socketed Netherlandish candlesticks, the period that they were made, and what part of the Burgundian Netherlands they likely yield from. What might initially appear to be a complex endeavor, is actually relatively easy with a little practice and research.
First, let’s start with the candlestick base. Through the years, Burgundian Netherlandish Socketed Candlesticks, distinguished by their base, evolved into seven major forms – Tripod-base (±1350 to ±1425), Funnel-base (±1425 to ±1500), Squat-base (±1475 to ±1525), Flat-base (±1475 to ±1525), Capstan (±1525 to ± 1650), Mid-drip (Heemskerk) (±1525 to ± 1725), and Wasted-base (±1550 to ±1650). “±” indicates an approximately 25 year spread. There are numerous subsets within these forms, and each form can be further distinguished by other features typical of their respective form, which we’ll address hereafter.
The mid-drip style of candlestick, commonly known as the Heemskerk Candlestick, derives its name from Jacob van Heemskerk. Van Heemskerk led a mercantile voyage from the Netherlands in 1596, aiming to discover a northern passage to Asia. However, the fleet encountered challenges in the Arctic Ocean and was compelled to spend the winter on the archipelago of Nova Zembla, situated north of Russia.
Despite their arduous efforts to endure the harsh Arctic conditions, the voyage was ultimately abandoned, leaving behind a significant cache of goods, including pewter candlesticks (an example from the Rijksmuseum collection is depicted on the right). It wasn’t until the mid-1870s, when the cache was discovered and returned to the Netherlands, that this particular style of candlestick became commonly associated with the name of the explorer, Jacob van Heemskerk.
Over 220 years has elapsed since mid-drip candlesticks were in vogue and examples are still in use today.
Mid-drip, or Heemskerk, candlesticks are among the most abundant examples of Netherlandish candlesticks. This can be attributed to their extended production period and sturdy construction. Their distinctive mid-drip design and appealing appearance have contributed to their continued popularity as candlestick examples today.
One of the earliest forms of mid-drip likely dates back to the early 1500s, as evidenced in the 1552 painting “The Miracle of the Broken Sieve” by Jan van Conincksloo, Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten, Antwerp, Belgium
Mid-drip (Heemskerk) Candlesticks
Mid-drip wax (tallow) catcher; stepped or funnel-like wasted (thin) base; multiple knops (or blades) accompanied with a tear-drop or truncated tear-drop; funnel-shaped or cylindrical socket; rectangular, square or circular aperture