Flight of Fancy: The Galle Chandelier

Exhibition Website

Apr 9 2019 - Apr 19 2020

This display provides an in-depth look at a French chandelier made by the bronze caster and gilder Gerard-Jean Galle in about 1818–19. 

Resembling a hot-air balloon, the chandelier is a work of extreme novelty that includes the signs of the zodiac and a glass bowl intended to hold water for small goldfish. 

Following contemporary taste, Galle adapted motifs found in ancient art to new forms of furniture creating an intriguing object that was thoroughly modern for its time.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website

  • Decorative Arts
  • European
  • 19th Century
  • Design
  • Gerard-Jean Galle

Exhibition Venues & Dates