Pair Of Display Stands In Gilt Bronze And Crystal, Signed "thomire à Paris".

An exceptional pair of gilt bronze and crystal centerpieces, or serving stands, made by the illustrious Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843), the greatest bronze sculptor of the Napoleonic era.
A true masterpiece of tableware, this pair embodies the quintessential aesthetic of the Empire period, combining architectural rigor with decorative opulence. Each piece is signed on the base "THOMIRE A PARIS," a mark reserved for the most prestigious commissions of this period.
The chasing is exquisitely fine. The central stem and base are richly decorated with an opulent Bacchic motif composed of vine scrolls, vine leaves, and bunches of grapes in high relief.
The original mercury gilding (ormolu) is perfectly preserved.
The two circular trays are made of crystal cut in a diamond point pattern, creating spectacular refraction effects when illuminated by candlelight.
The whole is surmounted by a ring finial decorated with palmettes and rests on a solid square base, ensuring perfect geometric elegance.

An identical pair is reproduced in the reference work: "Vergoldete Bronzen" (Gilded Bronzes), Hans Ottomeyer, Peter Pröschel 1986, p. 387, pl. 5.16.18.

Circa 1820.

Very good condition.
Superb original gilding.
A fine crack on one of the crystal trays.
All teeth present and intact.

Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843), chaser and founder to the Emperor, supplied the grandest palaces of Europe. His works are now held in world-renowned institutions such as the Louvre Museum, the Palace of Versailles, and the Wallace Collection.

Dimensions:
Height: 42 cm
Diameter: 22 cm

Bibliography:
Hans Ottomeyer, Peter Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, 1986, p. 387, pl. 5.16.18.

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