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Lot Essay
These wall-lights are based on two separate pairs that were designed and supplied by Claude Galle to the Grand Trianon on 23 December 1809. Both pairs have griffin supports of this type, although with slightly different backplates. One pair was supplied to the Emperor's Grand Cabinet at a cost of 1,200 francs. These griffins support spheres with seven arrow branches. The other pair, supplied to the Emperor's chambre à coucher, cost only 860 francs and had scrolled branches. Originally the griffins held a crowned 'N' in their paws but not surprisingly these were removed during the Restauration (D. Ledoux-Lebas, Le Grand Trianon, Meubles et Objets d'Art, Paris, 1975, p. 118 and p. 166, and H. Ottomeyer, P. Pröschel et al., Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, vol. I, p. 357, fig. 5.10.6).
An Empire pair of wall-lights with identical griffin supports was sold anonymously at Sotheby's Monaco, 23 June 1991, lot 583, and a further Empire pair in these Rooms, 8 December 1994, lot 501.
An Empire pair of wall-lights with identical griffin supports was sold anonymously at Sotheby's Monaco, 23 June 1991, lot 583, and a further Empire pair in these Rooms, 8 December 1994, lot 501.