Claude Galle - Rare Pair Of Empire Candelabra With Dragons - Circa 1810

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A superb pair of French Empire period three-light candelabra, finely cast in gilt and patinated bronze, attributed to the esteemed bronzier Claude Galle (1759-1815). Each candelabrum features a central fluted torch stem crowned by a blazing flame finial, which may be removed to reveal the central candle holder. From this central stem extend two elegantly scrolling arms, terminating in mythological creatures reminiscent of sea dragons, their open jaws and expressive features rendered in striking detail. Held within their widely opened jaws is a ball surmounted by a vase-shaped candle holder, richly adorned with palmettes and floral motifs. Behind the heads of these sea dragons radiate stylised crests. Identical sea dragons bearing candle holders in their jaws appear in a more elaborate pair of candelabra known to have been delivered to Eugène de Beauharnais, stepson of Napoleon. One such pair remains in the Hôtel de Beauharnais in Paris, while another is held in the collection of the Mobilier National.


At the intersection of the arms and central stem, a neoclassical anthemion cartouche anchors the composition, beneath which rest three finely modelled female busts adorned with traditional diadems. The tapered hexagonal shafts, executed in patinated bronze to contrast with the fire-gilt elements, are supported by three dragon’s paws. These rest upon circular bases exquisitely decorated with finely chased palmettes and floral motifs in high relief. A gadrooned collar and stylised foliate mount provide graceful transitions between the shaft and base. Claude Galle delivered several related models of candlesticks to the Château de Fontainebleau, characterised by faceted shafts, female busts, and claw feet.


The superb quality of casting, the precision of the chiselling, and the richness of the original fire-gilt finish reflect the exceptional artistry of Claude Galle, one of the foremost bronziers of the Napoleonic era. This pair of museum-quality Empire candelabra remains in excellent condition, with the original mercury gilding retaining a vibrant and lustrous finis


Origin: Paris circa 1810.

Dimensions: Height: 45 cm (17.7″), Width: 25 cm (9.8″), Depth: 14 cm (5.5″).
Diameter base: 14 cm (5.5″″).


Literature
- Collection of Mobilier National, Paris, inv.nr. GML-7556-001.
- H. Ottomeyer, P. Proschel et al., ” Vergoldete Bronzen – Die Bronzearbeiten des Spätbarock und Klassizismus”, München, 1986, Vol. I, p.326-327; p.337, fig. 5.3.5.
- Jörg Ebeling en Ulrich Leben, “Le Style Empire, l’hôtel de Beauharnais à Paris”, Flammarion, Paris, 2016.
- Jean-Pierre Samoyault, “Pendules et bronzes d’ameublement entrés sous le Premier Empire”, 1989, p. 175-176.
- Giacomo & Rozenn Wannenes, “Les bronzes ornementaux et les objets montés de Louis XIV à Napoléon III”, Editions Vasor, Milan, 2004, p.382.