Lot 652
  • 652

A fine and rare pair of Empire ormolu seven-light large candelabra circa 1805, attributed to Claude Galle

Estimate
60,000 - 90,000 USD
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Description

  • height 40 3/4 in.; width 14 1/4 in.
  • 103.5 cm; 36 cm

Provenance

Probably supplied for the Palais d'Arenberg, Belgium

Collection of Princess Lydia d'Arenberg, Arenberg Palace, Belgium, and thence by descent, sold, Christie's, New York, November 2, 2000, lot 130

Condition

The color less orange and more attractive than in catalogue illustration. In overall excellent condition, with minor rubbing in places.
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.

Catalogue Note

Another pair at  Compiègne is illustrated, E. Dumonthier, Les bronzes du Mobilier National: bronzes d'éclairage et de chauffage, Paris, 1911, pl. 27, fig. 3. There is also a photograph of a very similar model in the archives of sold or missing objects of the Hermitage Museum.

This model was almost certainly created by the bronzier Claude Galle (1759-1815) for one of the Imperial palaces. A nearly identical pair  was part a shipment of bronzes and clocks sent from the Imperial Garde Meuble in Paris to Turin on January 25, 1805. These were used to refurbish the Stupinigi Palace for the visit of Napoleon to Italy. The shipping list describes them as: paire de candélabres à balustre bronzé et doré or mat, à 7 lumières and they were destined for the Salon of the Emperor's Private Apartments, see Michela di Macco, Le Delizie di Stupinigi e della "Danae" del Corregio, Turin, 1997, p. 70 and, pl. 11.