This pair of silver altar candlesticks, made by Cosimo Merlini between 1614 and 1636, is currently on deposit at the Museum from the Metropolitan Chapter, which is the college of priests responsible for liturgy of the Cathedral church. The candlesticks have a base of triangular form supported on curled feet and decorated with inscriptions, heraldic arms, shell motifs and scrolls. The shaft is articulated in vase and baluster nodes, and has volute handles. The drip tray is supported by an elegant chalice form, completed in pod motif.

As testified by the inscriptions on their bases and confirmed by archival documents, Pietro Niccolini offered these candlesticks to the Chapter of Florentine Canons in 1636. Niccolini had been a member of the Chapter since 1597, before rising to archdeacon and vicar-general, and then archbishop of Florence from 1632 to 1651. The candlesticks were part of a substantial group of furnishings that Niccolini donated to the Chapter between 1636 and 1638, including a pectoral cross, crosier, monstrance, a chalice and two rings.