Claude Galle - Exquisite Pair Of Empire Period Candlesticks - Circa 1805

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A fine pair of chiselled and mercury gilded bronze Empire candlesticks, attributed to the renowned bronzier Claude Galle (1759-1815), featuring quiver-shaped, fluted shafts and bases adorned with finely chiselled thunderbolt motifs. These thunderbolts, symbolic of Zeus, underscore the classical inspiration of the design. The flared bobeches are further embellished with elegant water-leaf motifs.


An identical pair was delivered by Galle to the Château de Fontainebleau in 1805, subsequently recorded in the inventory of the living room within the chief huntmaster’s apartment in Pavilion A of the château (see last image). Another pair was delivered to the Grand Trianon at the Château de Versailles.


Executed with matte and polished mercury gilding, they are very well-preserved and remain in outstanding condition.


Origin: France, Empire period circa 1805.

Dimensions: Height 24 cm (9.5″), Base diameter 12 cm (4.7″).


Literature
- Jean-Pierre Samoyault, “Pendules et bronzes d’ameublement entrés sous le Premier Empire”, 1989, p. 40, p. 181.