“Artificial light is an expensive commodity in the 16th century. Skilled use of flint stones on tinder may soon light a fire, but candles of beeswax or flammable oil for lamps are expensive. Even wealthy people try not to be wasteful with these things. Poorer people normally light their homes with tallow candles made of animal fats. They burn in candlesticks made of wood, metal or clay. These can either be suspended from above or – as shown here – may be placed on tables.”
