A pair of Restauration ormolu and patinated bronze three-light candelabra circa 1820, attributed to Gérard-Jean Galle

depicting Mars and Minerva.

The laurel stem at the foot of Minerva is slightly loose. Very minor marks to her drapery. Very minor marks to the arms of Mars. In overall very good condition. This lot will be offered without reserve.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The figures of Mars and Minerva are comparable to those on a pair of candelabra commissioned for the Royal Palace in Stockholm in 1821 and made by Gérard-Jean Galle, the son of the famous bronzier, Claude Galle, see Ottomeyer, Pröschel, et al.,  Vergoldete Bronzen, vol. I, Munich, 1986, p. 396, fig. 5.18.8.  The model became popular and can be seen in other royal collections, notably the Imperial collections of the Palace of Pavlovsk, see E. Ducamp, Pavlovsk: les collections, Paris, 1993, p. 191, figs. 37 and 39.  The figures of Mars and Minerva reflect the Apollonian theme of the victory of light over darkness, Mars and Minerva not only being the embodiments of war, but also the bearers of light.

Gérard-Jean Galle (1788-1846) took over his father's Parisian workshop in 1815. In 1822 he left the rue Vivienne for 89 rue Richelieu, where he stayed until 1836. He supplied the Garde-Meuble during the Restauration and also exhibited at the Exposition de l'Industrie of 1819, where he won the silver medal. Through the intermediary of the Swedish diplomat G. Löwenheim, he supplied a number of clocks, candelabra and other pieces for the Royal Palace of Stockholm, Rosendal and other royal residences of King Karl XIV Johan.