An Important Empire Period Centerpiece In Bronze Att. Thomire

An important Empire period centerpiece in finely chased and mercury-gilded bronze, attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843).The composition features three draped caryatids in the antique style, in patinated bronze, bearing finely chased tortoises on richly modeled cushions. These tortoises directly support the openwork basket decorated with palmettes and scrolls, entirely gilded. This elaborate iconographic arrangement, combining symbolism and function, illustrates a sophisticated vocabulary characteristic of the most ambitious creations of the Empire period.The architecturally structured base with canted corners is adorned with trophies and neoclassical attributes and rests on lion paws and claws, a motif of power and majesty, reinforcing the monumental character of the whole.The exceptional quality of the chasing, the richness of the mercury gilding, and the balanced composition link this piece to the finest works of the Thomire workshop, the official supplier to the imperial palaces.Parisian work from the Empire period, circa 1805-1810.Height: 53 cm.Museum quality, very fine condition.THOMIRE:One of the most remarkable bronze casters of his generation, he is renowned for his production of bronze furniture under the Ancien Régime.He elevated this craft to its highest level of quality during the Empire, while also establishing, in the early years of the 19th century, an industrial enterprise with a European reach. He retired in 1823.