Pair Of Directoire-1st Empire Torches By Claude Galle (1759-1815)

Elegant pair of candlesticks from the 1st Empire early 19th century work of very good quality to the model traditionally attributed to the bronzier Claude Galle (1759-1815) presenting a structure in finely chiseled and gilded bronze with ground gold composed of a tapered barrel supporting three busts in high relief with antique figure in a register with caryatids terminated by claw feet resting on a circular base with ornaments of friezes with palmettes and foliage patterns, the upper parts are formed by binets and bobeches animated with leaves water alternating with Greek and geometric motifs. Good condition, note some wear to the gilding. Dimensions: 28 cm high X 13.5 cm in diameter. This model of torches was delivered in 1804 by Claude Galle for the Palace of Fontainebleau, it is described "as 2 pairs [torches] with three heads". It is linked to a drawing illustrated in H. Ottomeyer / P. Proschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, p. 326, fig. 5.1.6. Bibliography: JP. Samoyault, "National Museum of Fontainebleau, Catalog of Furniture, Clocks and Bronzes Collections