Pair of candlesticks Empire, ca. 1800

Pair of Empire candlesticks possibly made by the bronze artist CLAUDE GALLE (Villepreux, France, 1759- Paris, 1815). France, ca. 1800.
Gilded and patinated bronze.
In very good condition.
A pair of identical candlesticks is preserved in the Palace of Fontainebleau near Paris. These are published in the book "Fontainebleau" where it is indicated that their style can be attributed to Claude Galle.
Measurements: 29 x 13,2 cm (diameter).

Pair of Empire candlesticks made in gilded and patinated bronze. They follow an architectural structure of rounded volumes and sharp edges typically Empire, with a circular base embellished with plant motifs from which the foot of the shaft decorated with claw motifs. The coniform shaft, smooth and made of patinated bronze, is decorated at the top with golden stars. This shaft ends in a capital formed by three eagles in round bust. Finally, the wick takes the form of a classic cup.
This type of candlesticks were very common in the I Empire and, being inspired by them, in the II French Empire. In both cases, the influence of classical decorative elements is clear, especially in the vegetal reliefs and the claw feet, as well as the taste for the use of symmetry and straight and clear lines.

As for its possible attribution, it should be noted that Claude Galle was a bronze artist born near Versailles who later moved to Paris to train with Pierre Foy. Married to Foy's daughter, after his death he took over the workshop and led it to stardom. By 1786 he had become Maître-Fondeur, and in 1786-1788 he won the first of many commissions from the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne, under Jean Hauré. He is known to have collaborated with Thomire and was responsible for most of the bronzes d'ameublement supplied during the Empire to the Château de Fontainebleau. His work is preserved in the Musée National de Château de Malmaison and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.