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Claude Galle (1759-1815) Pair of French Directoire Urns or Vases Bronze Ormolu

$7,738.13per set
£5,751.54per set
€6,500per set
CA$10,684.23per set
A$11,848.02per set
CHF 6,225.26per set
MX$144,762.70per set
NOK 77,886.46per set
SEK 73,109.75per set
DKK 49,494.25per set

About the Item

Pair of bronze and marble urns from the Directory period attributed to Claude Galle (1759-1815). The two ovoid urns are cast in alternating patinated bronze and mercury-gilt bronze, with finely chiseled handles resembling sphinx heads from which extend long spiral arms. They rest on a sea-green and red marble base adorned with gilded bronze Hermes heads. This model with spiral arms has been attributed to bronzesmith Claude Galle, and the unusual profusion of precious marbles, as well as the richness and refinement of the decorations, confirm this attribution. One of the most important bronzesmiths and engraver-casters of the late Louis XVI period and the Empire, Claude Galle was born in Villepreux, near Versailles. He served his apprenticeship in Paris with foundryman Pierre Foy and married his daughter in 1784. In 1786 he became master smelter. After his father-in-law's death in 1788, Galle took over his workshop and quickly transformed it into one of the most prestigious, employing some 400 craftsmen. He moved to Quai de la Monnaie (later Quai de l'Unité), then in 1805 to 60 rue Vivienne. The Garde-Meuble de la Couronne, under the direction of sculptor Jean Hauré from 1786 to 1788, gave him numerous commissions. Galle collaborated with many excellent craftsmen, including Pierre-Philippe Thomire, and supplied most of the bronzes for the Château de Fontainebleau during the Empire. He received numerous other imperial commissions, including chandeliers, figured clock cases and vases for the palaces of Saint-Cloud, Trianon, Tuileries, Compiègne and Rambouillet. He also furnished several Italian palaces, such as Monte Cavallo in Rome and Stupinigi near Turin. Today, his works are exhibited in the world's greatest museums and collections, including those mentioned above, as well as the Musée national du Château de Malmaison, the Musée Marmottan in Paris, the Musée de l'Horlogerie in Jerez de la Frontera, the Residenz in Munich, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Both urns retain their original mercury gilding; note an old weld on one of the spiral arms. They are completely authentic and have never been restored or modified. Dimensions H 35 cm Base 9 x 9 cm
  • Attributed to:
    Claude Galle (Maker)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 13.78 in (35 cm)Width: 3.55 in (9 cm)Depth: 3.55 in (9 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 2
  • Style:
    Directoire (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bronze,Marble
  • Place of Origin:
    France
  • Period:
    Late 18th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1795
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading.
  • Seller Location:
    Pistoia, IT
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU10131246476562

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