Empire Candleholders with Vestal Figures in the Style of Claude Galle, France, Early 1800s, Set of 2

Excellent pair of Empire candlesticks in the style of Claude Galle (1759-1815) with fully sculptural vestal female figures, made in Paris ca. 1810: on postament-like high round base of red rouge griotte marble in strictly frontal posture standing fully sculptural female figures in antique garb of patinated bronze. On their heads the figures carry tassel-trimmed cushions from which emerge vase-shaped candle spouts with drip bowls in the form of feather wreaths made of gilded bronze. The pair of Empire candlesticks is stylistically and qualitatively closely related to works by bronzier and designer Claude Galle (1759-1815). Claude Galle was one of the most famous bronziers of the late Louis XVI and Empire periods: after obtaining his master’s degree in 1786, he received numerous commissions from the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne and later became one of Napoleon I’s favorite commissioned artisans. There is evidence of a collaboration between him and the second important bronzier P.-P. Thomire (1751-1843), probably in order to fulfill the abundance of royal and imperial commissions. Galle was responsible for most of the bronzes ordered for the Chateau de Fontainbleau and other castles of Napoleon. The most important museums and collections of European arts and crafts, such as the Musée de Châteu de Malmaison, the Musée Marmottan in Paris, the Munich Residence and the Victoria&Albert Museum in London, house works by Claude Galle. Condition: very good. min. signs of age and use, min. abrasion.