A Directoire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Sculptural Mantel Clock, the case by Claude Galle, Circa 1800

Claude Galle (1759-1815) was amongst the greatest bronziers and fondeur-ciseleurs of the late Louis XVI and Empire periods. First patronised by the Garde meuble de la Couronne under Jean d'Heure from 1786-1788, he is known to have collaborated with Pierre-Philipe Thomire, amongst others, and was responsible for much of the bronzes d'ameublement supplied during the Empire period to Fontainebleau.