Magnificent pair of Empire candelabra attributed to Claude Galle

Of striking vase-shaped form, each candelabrum features an applied decoration with a winged figure of Victory, holding a torch in each hand, symbolising triumph and illumination. From the shoulders of the vase, spring sweeping acanthus scroll handles that transform into stylised swan necks. The birds support the candle branches in their beaks, mirroring the central nozzle above. The stems rise to fluted bobèches, harmoniously echoing the neoclassical symmetry of the design.

The lower parts of the vase bodies are enriched with palmettes, anthemia, and rosettes, resting upon slender stems and spreading circular feet mounted on cube-shaped patinated bronze bases. These bases, which rest on square gilt bronze plinths, are adorned on alternating sides with bearded Bacchus masks in relief and with the crescent moon and star. The latter is a decorative motif in the à la manière turque style that reflected Napoleonic France’s fascination with the Orient. Comparable motifs are found on a pair of andirons of circa 1804 preserved at the Château de Fontainebleau.

With their imposing vase-shaped proportions, elegant swan-neck handles, Bacchic masks, and symbolic crescent moon and star, these candelabra are firmly characteristic of Claude Galle’s celebrated oeuvre. Their influence extended far beyond France, inspiring Russian bronziers and designers of the early 19th century, notably in works attributed to Friedrich Bergenfeldt.

This pair is preserved in excellent original condition, retaining its mercury gilding of outstanding depth and quality. A rare model of remarkable craftsmanship and symbolic richness, it represents the very finest achievements in decorative art during the Empire period.

Details

Origin: Paris, Empire period circa 1805.
Dimensions: Height 50 cm (19.7″), Width 25 cm (9.8″), Depth 12 cm deep (4.7″).
Square base: 12 x 12 cm (4.7″ x 4.7″).
Weight: 6.9 kg (the pair).

Literature

• Jörg Ebeling & Ulrich Leben, “The Hôtel de Beauharnais in Paris”, Flammarion, 2016, p. 290-291, p.298.
• “The Severance and Greta Millikin Collection”, exhibition at The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio, 1990.
• Hawley, Henry, “French Furniture: The Millikin Collection” in “The Bulletin of the Cleveland Museum of Art 78 no. 5” ,1991, p.222-243.
• Marie-France Dupuy-Baylet, “L’Heure, le Feu, la Lumière: Les Bronzes du Mobilier National 1800-1870”, 2010, p. 138-139.