A pair of patinated and gilt-bronze ewers attributed to Claude Galle Empire, circa 1810

each of tapening baluster form, with a winged female herm handle terminating in a cherub mask, the spout with a grotesque male mask cast with oak leaves, the body with with hippocamps, serpents and classical female figures above an alternating band of anthemions and leaves on a trumpet foot and plinth base

Very good overall condition. Good quality casting. Attractive model. There is minor wear to the patinated bronze surfaces and a few very minor chips to the edges of the marble bases. A couple of tips of some of the leaves on the base missing, but this is only apparent on close inspection, and can be seen on the ewer in teh foreground in the photograph on p. 297.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For identical ewers that form part of a garniture in the collections of the Wüttembergisches/Landesmuseum, Stuttgart see Hans Ottomeyer/Peter Pröschel, Vergoldte Bronzen, Munich, 1986, p. 364, fig. 5.12.6.

For near identical handles in the from of female herm see a pair from the Pavlovsk Palace, illustrated Antoine Cheneviére, Russian Furniture, London, 1988, p. 189.

Claude Galle (1759-1815) was one of the great bronziers working in the second half of the 18th century. He was received master into the Corporation des Fondeurs after meeting the guilds exacting standards in 1784. So illustrious was the talented Parisian that he undertook many Royal commission whilst working for J. Hauré and alongside A. A. Ravrio producing work for the Imperial Palaces - Compiègne, Fontainbleau, Le Grand Trianon and Versailles. Galle cleverly adapted during tumultous political times and worked for the Garde Meuble during the Consulat and thrived duing the Empire with a workforce of 400. He undertook many key commisions for Napoleon including work at Château Saint-Cloud as well as commissions for Palazzo in Italy. In addition to light fittings, many of which still adorn Versailles, he produced clock cases some of which utilised figural groups used by David in his pictures.