Empire Candlesticks Circa 1820 Gérard-jean Galle (1788-1846) Bronze, Fire-gilded - H. 27.5 Cm

Empire Candlesticks circa 1820 Gérard-Jean Galle (1788-1846) Bronze, fire-gilded Height 27.5 cm Gérard-Jean Galle (1788-1846) Gérard-Jean Galle, eldest son of the famous bronzesmith Claude Galle (1759-1815), took over the family business on Rue Vivienne after his father's death. He quickly proved that he could maintain his excellent reputation. He was considered one of the best in Paris and frequented by an elite clientele. His clients included the Duke of Richelieu, the Marquis de Martel and the Viscount de la Rochefoucauld. Gérard-Jean and his younger brother Jean-Auguste were trained by their father but joined the army after completing their apprenticeship. Gérard proved to be a brilliant soldier and was knighted in 1815. In 1810, Claude Galle asked the Emperor to leave his sons' army so that they could run the family business. In 1815, Napoleon lost his power and Claude Galle died. Gérard's mother-in-law temporarily took over. Shortly afterwards, Gérard-Jean returned home and took over the family business. Later, in 1819, Gérard won a silver medal at the Exposition de l'Industrie for an exceptional collection of bronzes, mainly consisting of lamps and clock cases. He supplied these to some of the best Parisian clockmakers, including Bourdier. Gérard-Jean Galle also specialized in the manufacture of clocks and the accompanying candelabra, at least two of which are in Stockholm Castle. Inv.no.0.452 €1,450