Claude Galle - Pair Of Empire Period Star-shaped Candlesticks, Mercury-gilt Bronze

Pair of large gilt bronze (chiseled bronze) candlesticks in matte and shiny. Model with spindle-shaped stem decorated with a 3-star ring resting on a gadrooned base, vase also decorated with gadroons. Our candlesticks are entirely made of bronze (no brass parts) and composed of 17 independent pieces assembled on a threaded stem (the greater the number, the higher the quality). Work from the Empire period by Claude Galle. Claude Galle (1759-1815), bronzier and founder-chaser, received master in 1786 and active rue Vivienne, supplied the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne under Louis XVI but also and especially under the Empire. He notably made deliveries for the castles of Trianons, Fontainebleau, Saint-Cloud, Compiègne and the Tuileries Palace. This model is distinguished by its sobriety as well as excellent quality of execution, and by its large format. It is intended for a room with a high ceiling, large enough not to appear "lost" in a large volume. This type of candlestick was made by Claude Galle to furnish the apartments of princes and high dignitaries under the Empire in Imperial palaces such as Fontainebleau, Compiègne, etc. It is interesting to compare Claude Galle's productions and to understand that his creations were combinations of individual elements assembled with variations to constitute different models. We sold a few months ago other models by Claude Galle whose very similar elements and finishes are recognized, making them the signature of this great bronzier. More specifically, it appears on page 157 in the catalog of "furniture bronzes entered under the First Empire" at Fontainebleau, a pair of owl candlesticks by Claude Galle, delivered in 1807 in the 2nd salon of the Empress. Our candlesticks are a very close variation, without the Owls. Rare collector's item, this version is less common and less well-known in Claude Galle's production. Good condition: a threaded rod replaced on one of the torches. Original mercury gilding well preserved with wear. Height: 27.5cm Diameter: 13.5cm