The publication draws from Joseph Holey’s personal estate, featuring maps, prints, photographs, and text. Once regarded as the most valuable art object in festive settings, the chandelier has become a commonplace item in European glass history, leading to its neglect in scholarly research by museums and conservation authorities. Peter Rath, a master craftsman and co-owner of the Vienna glass and chandelier company LOBMEYR, provides a comprehensive introduction to the development and production of chandelier frames, early uses of rock crystal, glass elements, and various light sources. The book is rich with illustrations, tables, and maps, along with practical advice on cleaning, restoration, and transport. Key chapters unveil the largely unpublished history of the crystal chandelier within the Habsburg realm, based on Josef Holey’s collected materials. An introductory overview of the chandelier's evolution in Europe, extending to modern times, enhances understanding of the topic. Rath concludes with his vision for the future of creative, festive lighting. This work serves not merely as a picture book but as a valuable resource for art historians, antique dealers, chandelier makers, architects, and students, aiming to inspire further scholarly exploration into the significance of the crystal chandelier in the arts.
