A Fine Quality French Empire Ormolu Figural Mantel Clock by Claud Galle

The enamel dial signed 'GALLE RUE VIVIENNE A PARIS’

Movement: Claude Galle (1759 - 1815)
Origin: French
Date: 19th century
Size: Height: 14 x 12 x 4 3/4 inches 

Claude Galle (1759 - 1815), is one of late Louis XVI and Empire periods’ most prominent bronziers and fondeur-ciseleurs. Born at Villepreux near Versailles, Galle served his apprenticeship in Paris under the fondeur Pierre Foy; in 1784 Galle married Foy’s daughter. Galle became a maitre-fondeur in 1786.

Galle collaborated with many excellent artisans, including Pierre-Philippe Thomire. Galle furnished the majority of the furnishing bronzes for the Château de Fontainebleau during the Empire period.

Today his work may be found in the world’s most important museums and collections, as well as the Musée National du Château de Malmaison, the Residenz in Munich, the Museo de Reloges at Jerez de la Frontera, the Musée Marmottan in Paris, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.