Signed Galle - Exceptionally Rare Pair Of Empire Candelabra

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An exceptional quality pair of mercury gilded bronze French empire candelabra by Gérard-Jean Galle (1788-1846) consisting of gilt bronze candlesticks with a separate removable top part forming candelabra with four lights. This pair of candelabra carries the stamp “G F” (see last photo). It is the mark of the very famous bronzier Gérard-Jean Galle(1788-1846). He was the son and successor of the top bronzier Claude Galle. 


This pair of candelabra has four lights, one of which is central, in the shape of cornucopias carried by a sphere. Each of the arms of light has finely chiseled details of leaves on the cornucopia which ends in a candle holder with a fine mesh pattern. These bouquets of lights rest on gilt bronze candlesticks which are of a royal and imposing size with unusually large dimensions of the base. Their vase-shaped candle holders, richly decorated with floral patterns, are carried by a basket of flowers. The candelabra have a fluted shaft adorned with thyrses and lyres and this decoration is repeated on the circular base. These bases have refined decorations of vestals holding floral garlands and lyre instruments.


This magnificent pair of French Empire candelabra has been executed in mercury gilded bronze with a sublime mat and shiny gilding. They are in an excellent state of preservation.


France, circa 1815.

Dimensions: 54 cm high, 23 cm wide, 23 cm deep, candlesticks 34 cm high, diameter of the base: 16 cm.


Gérard-Jean Galle (1788-1846)
Gérard-Jean Galle, who was the eldest son of the renowned bronzier, Claude Galle (1759-1815), took over the family business at rue Vivienne on his father’s death.  Soon he proved that he could maintain its excellent repute. Regarded as one of the best in Paris, he was patronised by an elite clientele. Later, in 1819 Gérard won a silver medal at the Exposition de l’Industrie for an outstanding collection of bronzes consisting predominantly of light fittings and clock cases. The latter he supplied to some of the best Parisian clock makers including Bourdier. Gérard-Jean Galle also specialized in making clocks with corresponding candelabra, of which at least two are at Stockholm Castle.


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