Festive Artificial Light

Still today the chandelier is the epitome of festive artificial light. However, the appearance of a chandelier has more than simply an aesthetic function. The cut, transparent hanging of the cut glass chandelier also gives the light source more brightness and brilliance. In addition it also has a symbolic function because the crystal chandelier has always been regarded as particularly festive. Besides this it has taken on other symbolic functions over the course of time such as the dignified or the rediscovered, in the form of a retro accessory. In view of this late implementation, when the time of birth of the crystal chandelier is brought to mind the question arises as to what actually decorated chandeliers before crystal. In fact chandeliers have only been hung with chandelier hangings (made of crystals) since the 17th century.

Previously the polished metal of the back of a wall plate or metal chandelier middle pieces had to serve to reflect the light. With the use of transparent, cut crystal elements it then became possible to make electric light appear so to speak lively. The sparkling of the chandelier can be traced to the combination of two light effects caused by the crystal hanging: on the one hand to the reflection of light on the cut glass pieces and on the other to the refraction of light passing through the transparent material.

However, to achieve this the crystal hanging must be positioned in a certain direction which breaks with the habit of decoration: the beautiful, faceted side does not face outwards but inwards towards the light source and not towards the viewer, because only like this can refraction take place so that the chandelier spreads the splendour for which it is so appreciated.