Page 218 - Loss of the VOC Retourschip Batavia, Western Australia, 1629

Candelabra
BAT 3643 (SCALE 1:4)
Figure 63.
'Candelabra' BAT 3643 after reslOration.
This object was badly-cotroded when flfstrecovered and it has been very difficult to interpret its function . Initially, it was thought to be part of the bed-post group because of the similar-sized rectangular holes. However, careful study has shown that it differs both functionally and stylistically from the bed-post group, although its purpose has still not hoen defined. It is a pillar-shaped object standing on a narrow, triangular foot (Fig. 63). The top is spherical with fOUI rectangular holes set symmetrically around the central waist. Below the sphere, at the top o f the column, is a collar with three moulded, applique cherubs (Fig. 61). The triangular foot has three small, oval depressions in the middle of the face. Eachoval,itis thought,hadasilversmiIh'smark.The1628datemarlc'S'survivesononeofIheovals(Fig62),possibly the city mark and maker's initials would have been on the other two.
The whole style of this object is quite different from Ihe oIher silverware. The decoration is not engraved, but cast and moulded onto the objecl Itis also constructed in a strange manner. Stylistically, for example, it would seem unusual to have a three-pointed symmetry in the lower part of the object and a fOUI-pointed symmetry in the sphere above. The proportions are also peculiar, for unless the base was heavily-ballasted, the object would be very unstable. It was thought for a time that it was two separa1e objects, but careful inspection does not bear this o u l The four square holes, therefore, may have been the sockets for the branches of a candelabrum, but it must be emphasized that this is not certain, particularly as the addition of the arms would make the object even more unstable.
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