Claude Galle - Pair Of Candlesticks - Torches Called "aux Ballerinas" Or "aux Merveilleuses"

Rare pair of gilt and patinated bronze candlesticks called "aux Merveilleuses" or "aux Ballerines", attributed to Claude Galle (1759–1815) Empire, Paris, circa 1805Elegant and rare pair of finely chased, partially gilt and patinated bronze candlesticks, called "aux Merveilleuses" or "aux Ballerines". Each candlestick has a shaft in the form of a tripartite sheath decorated with three back-to-back female figures, wearing ballerinas with crossed ribbons and wearing ostrich feathers, echoing the theatrical fashion of the Directory and the Empire.The circular base rests on three stylized claw feet, and is decorated with a frieze of water leaves around the perimeter. A small central podium, draped and surrounded by palmettes, accommodates the base of the shaft. The chiseled decoration testifies to high-quality work: finely guilloché rings, socket decorated with a frieze of stars, cross-hatched bobèche, rigorously executed details. This refined model, emblematic of the Empire taste for idealized Antiquity and the stylized female figure, is attributed to Claude Galle (1759–1815), one of the most important Parisian bronze makers of the Consulate and the Empire, supplier to the imperial crown and many official residences. The composition with three figures and the quality of execution link this pair to the documented productions of Galle's workshop. The mercury gilding, although largely faded by time, remains partially visible in places and testifies to the luxurious origin of the object. Possibility of restoration or gilding on estimate, at the expense of the purchaser. Dimensions: Height: 29.5 cm Diameter: 14 cm Condition: Good general condition of conservation. Old patina. Original gilding greatly diminished by time, without structural alteration. A work of great rarity, this pair of candlesticks constitutes a fine example of the decorative creativity of the Napoleonic era, mixing antique references and fashion figures. Bibliography: – Bronze and crystal, furniture objects 18th–19th centuries, Marie-France Dupuy-Baylet – Catalogue of furniture collections (1): Clocks and furniture bronzes entered under the First Empire, Jean-Pierre Samoyault, Réunion des musées nationaux