Empire Style, Thomire Model. Pair Of Candelabra, Circa 1890

A large and magnificent pair of Empire-style four-light candelabra in chased and gilded bronze. A fifth candle holder, supported by a sphinx, sits at the center of this luminous cluster, which is further supported by a winged Victory in patinated brown bronze. Circa 1890. This Victory rests on a cylindrical base of griotte red marble adorned with garlands and gilded bronze mascarons. This model of candelabra was created by the renowned bronze caster Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843). Pierre-Philippe Thomire was a French sculptor who became the most important producer of patinated and gilded bronze ornamental objects and furniture mounts during the First Empire. Although trained as a sculptor, Thomire decided to follow in his father's footsteps into the bronze foundry business. He received his training in the workshop of Pierre Gouthière, a famous Parisian chaser and gilder, before establishing his own workshop in 1776.