Pair of Empire candlesticks “Retour d’Egypte”, model by Claude Galle

This exceptional pair of gilt bronze French Empire candlesticks, which draws inspiration from Napoleon’s army’s return from Egypt, is attributed to the esteemed Parisian bronzier Claude Galle (1759-1815). Distinguished by their impressive proportions and exquisite craftsmanship, these rare candlesticks stand out among similar models.


The intricately crafted candle holders, designed in a vase shape, are supported by three Egyptian female busts wearing a traditional Egyptian headdress. The tapering fluted stem, adorned with ornate annular bands separating geometric and floral decorations, is set upon three pairs of human feet atop a circular base. This base features decorations of musical instruments (the lyra) and vases, bordered by a frieze of flowers set against a meshed background. The entire piece is executed in mercury-gilded bronze, showcasing a striking contrast between matte and shiny gilding.


Claude Galle supplied similar models to the Château de Fontainebleau in 1804. It is likely that this exquisite pair was created following a design by the renowned Empire designer Charles Percier (1764-1838), as evidenced by a drawing preserved in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. This drawing, found in a small album that served as a catalogue for a Parisian bronzier, highlights the exceptional skill of Claude Galle, a celebrated bronzier of his time.


These truly rare Empire candlesticks represent a remarkable example of the “Return from Egypt” theme. When General Bonaparte embarked on the Egyptian military campaign (1798-1801), he enlisted numerous scientists to accompany the army, leading to the publication of “La description de l’Egypte” in 1802. The popularity of this style, arising from the rediscovery of ancient Egyptian culture, endured only for a relatively brief period.


Made of gilt bronze, this pair is well-preserved, retaining the original matte and lustrous mercury gilding.


Origin: Paris circa 1804.

Dimensions: height 31 cm, diameter 14 cm.


Literature
- Hans Ottomeyer & Peter Pröschel, “Vergoldete Bronzen, Die Bronzearbeiten des Spätbarock und Klassizismus”, München 1986, p. 326.
- Jean-Pierre Samoyault, “Pendules et bronzes d’ameublement entrés sous le Premier Empire”, 1989, p. 175.
- Christie’s New York, September 2002, where an identical pair appeared in auction.