Claude Galle, pair of ewers

Claude Galle (1759-1815)
Pair ewers.
Ormolu and patinated bronze.
Empire period, circa 1805.

Considered as one of the most important bronze-makers of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century, Claude Galle has established himself as a reference in neoclassical style bronze. He was a collaborator of famous founders such as Antoine André Ravrio and Jean Hauré. He thus took part in the elaboration of bronzes intended for the furniture of the royal palaces. Under the Consulat, he was the main competitor of Philippe Thomire. He provided imperial furniture storage by furnishing the castles of Compiègne and Fontainebleau during the Empire.
This pair of ewer is a beautiful illustration of the decorative repertoire used by the bronze-maker at the beginning of the Empire: the handle is in the shape of a rooster's head, the beak underlined by a bearded man, the collar decorated with stars, the belly surrounded by a frieze of trophies and winged victories and the guilloched pedestal finished by a quadrangular base. All with an excellent quality of execution.