Description
Pair of Empire period perfume burners attributed to Claude Galle
Dimensions: H 27.5 cm x D 14.5 cm
Very characteristic of his candlesticks « aux merveilleuses », a style for which Claude Galle is well known, these perfume burners are supported by three caryatids forming rectangular column and linked together by thin gilded bronze rods forming an X.
Their bare feet rest on a triangular base with curved sides and cut corners, itself placed on a circular base.
In the center, stands a palm tree with columnar foliage supporting a bobèche figured with arched leaves and topped with a finely chiseled binet of geometric shapes.
A cylindrical part is placed at the top of the bin, thus reducing the exit of hoting.
The columnar heads, finely chiseled, are decorated on both sides with fins holding a large incense cup. Its chiseled collar with small oval shapes supports an openwork lid decorated with flowers, stars and foliage and crowned with a flower in bud in the central part.
Due to the finesse of these carvings, the use of its “marvelelles” and the beautiful original gilding, we can attribute this very beautiful work to Claude Galle.
Claude Galle (1759-1815) is one of the most eminent bronziers-engravers of the end of the 18th century and the Empire period.