Candlesticks

These two candlesticks are typical of the remarkable output of silverware in Namur and bear the former hallmark of the city, in use during the 17th century. They were purchased thanks to the generosity of Mme Courtin-Bouché, within the framework of her fund created as part of the King Baudouin Foundation. The candlesticks are attributed to Guillaume Posson, who made them during the period 1660 to 1670. The cabled and removable stem of each candlestick is remarkable, as is the repeated shape of the six-lobed foot, the inner ring and the bowl to catch the candle drippings. Each candlestick carries four hallmarks. The crowned W and P are the initials of the silversmith, Guillaume (Willem) Posson. The letter H probably refers to the owner, but the fourth hallmark, the letter X, remains a mystery. The latter could refer to the year of manufacture, the weight, the quality of the silver, or to a measure of transition enacted in 1749. Website Musée Provincial des Arts anciens du Namurois Further information about the Léon Courtin-Marcelle Bouché Fund (in French)