Lot Essay
The presence of an almost unique decorative repertoire on this pair of candelabras suggests that they were specially commissioned. Similar branches appear in the work of Claude Galle. Some of his creations also feature more original and fanciful motifs, as is the case here. Galle transformed classic Empire forms into more elongated and naturalistic elements. In 1807, Galle supplied the Palais de Fontainebleau with winged candelabras for the Empress's bedroom (J.P. Samoyault, Pendules et bronzes d'ameublement entrés sous le Premier Empire, Paris, 1989, no. 135, p. 157).
This butterfly wing motif can be found on a pair of light arms from the Murat collection that belonged to the salon des officiers or galerie des grands appartements at the Palais de l'Elysée in 1809 (inv. GML 7156 / 1 to 4), as well as on a clock by Galle illustrated in the book Vergoldete Bronzen, p. 365.
This butterfly wing motif can be found on a pair of light arms from the Murat collection that belonged to the salon des officiers or galerie des grands appartements at the Palais de l'Elysée in 1809 (inv. GML 7156 / 1 to 4), as well as on a clock by Galle illustrated in the book Vergoldete Bronzen, p. 365.