Offered by GSLR Antiques
Pair of large mercury gilt bronze candlesticks or flambeaux, matt and bright, Empire period - early 19th century circa 1806-1807, by Claude Galle. Richly decorated with palmettes on the base, the fluted quiver-shaped shaft resting on claw feet, the top adorned with busts of Egyptian women emerging from draperies, bobèches in the form of a vase with palmettes. They are composed of 12 independent pieces (a sign of the model's quality), entirely in matte and bright mercury-gilded bronze (bronze only, no brass parts).
This model is listed in the book "l'heure, le feu, la lumière, bronzes du Mobilier National", specifying that a pair of identical torches were placed in the Emperor's apartments in 1809, then those of the Empress in 1813.
A rare collector's item, our torches are clearly of imperial quality, since the Emperor owned them. It is also a large-format, high-quality model, worthy of imperial furniture. A fine collector's item.
Very good condition: no dents, accidents or deformations. Original mercury gilding well preserved.
Height: 28.5cm
Diameter : 13cm
