Offered by Galerie de Cicco
Pair of Empire three-light candelabra attributed to Claude Galle
A very nice pair of Empire three-light candelabra in gilt bronze and finely chased attributed to Claude Galle.
In the form of an antique vase, in gilt bronze with mercury and original patina.
The vase is flanked on each side by two coiled candle branches from a foliage along the vase, ending in swan heads holding the candle wicks in their beaks.
The top of the vase has a vertical stem supporting a third candle.
Each vase with a domed and fluted lid is mounted around the neck with a rose window and foliage above a winged victory holding torches in each of its outstretched hands.
The foot of the vase is decorated with palmettes and rests on a circular ring, all on a square base with steps in patinated bronze, mounted in front of a head of Bacchus in a circular frame and on the sides of a crescent moon.
Pair of Empire candelabra with three lights attributed to Claude Galle
A very beautiful pair of Empire three-light candelabra in gilt bronze and finely chased attributed to Claude Galle.
In the form of an antique vase, in gilt bronze with mercury and original patina.
The vase is flanked on each side by two coiled candle branches from a foliage along the vase, ending in swan heads holding the candle wicks in their beaks.
The top of the vase has a vertical stem supporting a third candle.
Each vase with a domed and fluted lid is mounted around the neck with a rose window and foliage above a winged victory holding torches in each of its outstretched hands.
The foot of the vase is decorated with palmettes and rests on a circular ring, all on a square stepped base in patinated bronze, mounted in front of a head of Bacchus in a circular gilt frame and on the sides of a crescent moon.
Combined with classical ornamentation such as the crescent moon and Bacchic hermes heads, these imposing candelabras are consistent with those made by the famous Empire founder Claude Galle (1759-1815). While Galle's bronzes were highly sought after by European clients, works such as the present pieces were to exert a strong influence on Russian bronzemakers and designers. For example, the swan-head candle branches can be compared with a pair of Russian two-light candelabra in the manner of Friedrich Bergenfeldt, circa 1810, whose spouts are similarly decorated and balanced by winged swan heads (Christie's London, November 25, 2008, lot 106).
