Refined And Rare Pair Of French Empire Candlesticks Signed Galle Fils
Pair Of French Empire Candlesticks Signed Galle Fils
This refined and rare pair of Empire French candlesticks signed Galle Fils has many rich decorations, all of them magnificently carved. The quality of the carving of this exceptional pair of French candlesticks shows you it is the work of a great bronze master. This pair of candlesticks carries the stamp “G F” (see last photo), which is the mark of the very famous bronzier Gérard-Jean Galle (1788-1846). Gérard-Jean was the son and successor of the top bronzier Claude Galle.
These French candlesticks signed Galle have been executed in gilt bronze with a sublime mat and shiny gilding. The bobeches have decorations of flowers and palm leaves. Down on the base we see decorations of rings and friezes of acanthus leaves. Everything radiates the high quality of workmanship. This pair of Empire candlesticks signed Galle Fils is in a very good condition.
Details of this pair of French Empire candlesticks
Origin: France.
Dimensions: 32 cm high, diameter 14 cm.
Weight: 1.7 kg (for the pair).
Gérard-Jean Galle (1788-1846)
Gérard-Jean Galle, who was the eldest son of the renowned bronzier, Claude Galle (1759-1815), took over the family business at rue Vivienne on his father’s death. Soon he proved that he could maintain its excellent repute. Regarded as one of the best in Paris, he was patronised by an elite clientele. His clientele included the duc de Richelieu, the marquis de Martel and viscount de la Rochefoucauld. Gérard-Jean and his younger brother, Jean-Auguste, trained under their father but then joined the army after completing their apprenticeship. Gérard proved a brilliant soldier and he received a knighthood in 1815. In 1810 Claude Galle requested from the Emperor his sons’ leave of the army so that they could run the family business.
In 1815 Napoleon lost his power and Claude Galle died, leaving Gérard’s stepmother in temporary charge. Soon after this Gérard-Jean returned home and took over the family business. Later, in 1819 Gérard won a silver medal at the Exposition de l’Industrie for an outstanding collection of bronzes consisting predominantly of light fittings and clock cases. The latter he supplied to some of the best Parisian clock makers including Bourdier.
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