Reference
Books on candlesticks are not particularly plentiful, and of those that do exist, many are written in Dutch, French or German. There are no books solely written on early Netherlandish candlesticks – thus this website. Mostly, Netherlandish candlesticks are part of larger more comprehensive candlestick references and occupy only a small part of the overall whole. Other books contain excellent information on copper or brass household items, and candlesticks represent only a chapter or part thereof.
It is generally understood amongst collectors (candlesticks and otherwise), that it is wise to invest 20% of the value of your collection, in reference books. An example – If your collection represents $10,000 in value, you would be well-represented having $2,000 in reference books. Reference books are sometimes expensive, especially those examples that are rare and out of print, but a good reference book can save a collector considerably by helping to avoid costly mistakes particularly if the collector did not spend the time to do the appropriate research.
Though books are essential, even more important is examining and handling candlesticks in person. I cannot underestimate the importance of examining a candlestick in person, and in its entirety – You can learn an inestimable amount from looking at the underside of a candlestick, just as a serious furniture collector would never dream of purchasing a table without looking at its underside. Never underestimate the importance of handling an item and comparing it to others you’ve handled, and those similar examples contained in your reference books. You will learn more by comparing and studying examples in person than through any other means of gathering knowledge.
Below is a list of books of importance that can be found with a bit of research, at reasonable prices. Each of these books are out of print but can be found by searching online for used examples.
Old Domestic Base-Metal Candlesticks
Catalogue of A Study Collection of Old Brass Candlesticks – Formed by Ronald F. Michaelis
L'or des dinandiers
Fantastic monograph on metalware of the Meuse Valley including insightful analysis of manufacturing processes based on archeological studies in Dinant and Bouvignes, two of the greatest brass producing cities of the late gothic period. The pictures of examples and diagrams alone are worth viewing, some of which are included in this website. Thanks to Maison du Patrimoine Medieval Mosan, this document can be downloaded free of charge by clicking on this link . . .
Koper & Brons
Pre-industriële Gebruiksvoorwerpen 1150 – 1800
Koper en Brons van Voorheen
Thuis in de Late Middeleeuwen – Het Nederlands Burgerinterieur 1400 -1535
Huusraet – Het Stedelijk Woonhuis in de Bourgondische Tigd
Using original inventories, hundreds of utensils and historical paintings, B. Dubbe gives a tour of the urban house in the late Middle Ages.
Huusraet is not only a richly illustrated reference work, it also reveals how ‘ordinary’ citizens lived in the 15th century. Indispensable for any history buff. The beautifully designed book (278 pages and almost 400 images) has been published in a limited edition.
De Collectie Aad Penders – Aen Taefele – Eten en Leven in de Late Middeleeuwen
Mr. Penders has an unmatched knowledge of early Netherlandish candlesticks and has been collecting them for over 40 years. This excellent book highlights his varied interests in Medieval household items, including Netherlandish candlesticks.
Metalwork – A Social History of the Decorative Arts
De Re Metallica
Vijf Eeuwen Koper en Brons (Five Centuries of Copper and Bronze)
Antique Brass Candlesticks 1450 – 1750
Early book containing illustrations and descriptions of Netherlandish candlesticks. Information is sometimes outdated.
Lichter Leuchten Im Abendland
Excellent book containing early Netherlandish and German candlesticks, and wonderful documentation of early chandeliers.