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A fine French Empire ormolu or gilt
bronze and Blyberg figural centerpiece. French, circa: 1815-1820. Measuring:
22" high by 12.75" across. Weight 35 pounds.
The centerpiece attributed to Gerard-Jean Galle (1788-1846) depicts three
standing female figures in classical dress holding a laurel wreath , on a
concave-sided green and red marble uniform base, within a leaf and anthemiom
gilt bronze border. The three figures support a short footed bowl of Blyberg
Porphyry.
Lost wax method of bronze casting. Hand chasing and chiseling of the surface.
The ormolu is Mercury gilded with both Matt finish and highly burnished areas
of highlight. Gilding is original and in tact.
Literature:
Gerard-jean Galle (1788-1846):
Gerard was the son of Claude Galle (1759-1815), one of the leading bronziers
of the Empire period, who re-opened the workshop of his father after the fall
of Napoleon. During the Restauration period Gerard produced bronzes in the
Empire style for both French and foreign clients and he was also a supplier
of the Swedish Royal Court.
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Porphyry Literature:
Blyberg Porphyry.
The Blyberg Porphyry bowl was produced at the beginning of the 19th century
in the workshop of Elfdalens lapidary works, which was created on the 10th of
May in 1788, following the presentation to King Gustave III, by the Senator
Niles Adam Bielke (who was the director of the mine), of specimens of this
'new' stone which enchanted him. The discovery of porphyry in the region of
Darcarlie had been made by Pastor Eric Nasman around 1730. However, the man
who truly deserves the title of founder is Eric Hagstrom (1760-1827) who was
entrusted with the conception of the lapidary's workshop, becoming its
director and who designed all the machinery according to techniques which
were avante garde for their time. In March 1789, the first fruits of
production were sent to Stockholm including a table plateau and from the
start orders poured in, despite the very high prices and King Gustave III was
naturally amongst the clientele.
On the 8th of March 1818, Prince Carl Johan offered the Elfdalens company to
his son Oscar. Everything was consequently reorganised with the purpose of
producing luxury pieces which were intended for Royal presents. In 1867, a
fire destroyed the large building where the polishing took place which would
never be reconstructed and production became completely insignificant. In
1897, there was the creation of the 'new' porphyry lapidary works in the
Alvadalens, whose activities would henceforth be reduced to the manufacture
of small objects and later ceased production.
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