“La Reconciliation”, an Empire period clock, model by Claude Galle

Rare and prestigious clock in patinated bronze and mercury-gilt bronze, depicting the celebrated sculptural group “La Reconciliation”, an emblematic model by Claude Galle (1759–1815), one of the greatest master bronziers of the Empire period.

The composition presents an antique couple in an embrace, rendered with remarkable modelling quality and refined anatomical precision. The fluid drapery, natural attitudes, and expressive faces give the ensemble a strong emotional presence, directly inspired by neoclassical statuary and antique sculpture.

The group is set before a monumental architectural structure forming the clock case, richly decorated with lyres, imperial eagles, palmettes, scrolling foliage, and friezes of leaves, surmounted by a circular white enamel dial with Roman numerals. The whole rests on a dark green veined marble base, adorned with gilt attributes featuring laurel wreaths and scrolling motifs.

This model ranks among the most celebrated creations of Claude Galle, recorded in major public collections and in the specialist literature devoted to Empire bronzes.

Claude Galle was the most prestigious bronzier of the Napoleonic era. Established on the Quai de la Monnaie in Paris, he was official supplier to Napoleon I, the Imperial Court, and the great European aristocratic houses.

His works are distinguished by exceptional chasing quality, deeply rich mercury gilding, and a perfect mastery of neoclassical sculpture.

Galle’s models are today preserved in numerous major institutions, including the Musée du Louvre, the Mobilier National, the Château de Fontainebleau, the Château de Compiègne, and the Musée Marmottan Monet.

A clock of museum quality, perfectly embodying the aesthetic and technical excellence of the great Parisian productions of the Empire period.

The model “La Reconciliation” is considered one of Claude Galle’s iconographic masterpieces, both for the strength of its sculptural composition and for its historical importance in the evolution of French art bronzes.