each with exceptional copper repoussé plates depicting a finely-detailed bouquet of flowers, foliage and wheat sheaths (repeated on the back) all within a heavy bronze frame over a stepped plinth; professionally rewired; typical oxidation and wear.

Albert Louis Gilles was born in August of 1895 in France.  At the age of 12, his aunt taught him the art of “repoussé” (embossing). He eventually transformed his pastime into a flourishing career. In 1929, Gilles moved to the United States, where he was commissioned to decorate public buildings and private homes. He also worked for a number of film studios in Hollywood. Although he was in high demand, he still found time to decorate the homes of several celebrities, including Constance Bennett, Mae West, and Roy and Walt Disney. He settled permanently in Québec in 1937, where he devoted himself primarily to the decoration of churches. A collection of his works can be seen at the Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum in Quebec City.