Empire-period Centerpiece In Gilded Bronze And Cut Crystal, Attributed To Thomire, Circa 1810
Artist: Thomire
A two-tiered centerpiece of exceptional delicacy, dating from the First French Empire and attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751–1843), Paris, circa 1805–1815.
Crafted from finely cast bronze, chiseled, and gilded with mercury (ground gold bronze), the piece is adorned with two hand-cut crystal bowls featuring wide, faceted rims.
The circular base rests on finely modeled animal-leg feet and is adorned with an intricate openwork frieze composed of foliage scrolls, palmettes, rosettes, and winged motifs, reflecting the high level of craftsmanship characteristic of the finest Parisian bronze works from the Empire period.
The fluted central column is flanked by four seated putti, each individually modeled and holding various musical instruments and attributes. Particular care was taken in modeling their faces, hair, anatomy, and hands, as well as in the meticulous chiseling of the surrounding ornamentation.
Above the figures rises a second cup of cut crystal, supported by a finely chiseled gilded bronze stem, decorated with classical foliage and topped with a circular handle.
The refined neoclassical design, the quality of the casting and engraving, the mercury gilding, and the combination of gilded bronze and cut crystal support the attribution to Pierre-Philippe Thomire, one of the most famous Parisian bronze casters of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This attribution is based on stylistic criteria; no visible signature has been identified.
A remarkable example of French decorative arts from the Empire period, combining sculptural quality, elegance, and precision—characteristics of luxury Parisian production during the Napoleonic era. Attributed to: Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751–1843)
Origin: Paris, France
Date: Circa 1805–1815
Period: First Empire
Materials: Mercury-gilded bronze (gilded bronze) and hand-cut crystal
Dimensions: 43 cm high × 27 cm in diameter
Condition: Good original condition, consistent with its age and use, retaining a beautiful historical patina. Slight wear consistent with its age.
Crafted from finely cast bronze, chiseled, and gilded with mercury (ground gold bronze), the piece is adorned with two hand-cut crystal bowls featuring wide, faceted rims.
The circular base rests on finely modeled animal-leg feet and is adorned with an intricate openwork frieze composed of foliage scrolls, palmettes, rosettes, and winged motifs, reflecting the high level of craftsmanship characteristic of the finest Parisian bronze works from the Empire period.
The fluted central column is flanked by four seated putti, each individually modeled and holding various musical instruments and attributes. Particular care was taken in modeling their faces, hair, anatomy, and hands, as well as in the meticulous chiseling of the surrounding ornamentation.
Above the figures rises a second cup of cut crystal, supported by a finely chiseled gilded bronze stem, decorated with classical foliage and topped with a circular handle.
The refined neoclassical design, the quality of the casting and engraving, the mercury gilding, and the combination of gilded bronze and cut crystal support the attribution to Pierre-Philippe Thomire, one of the most famous Parisian bronze casters of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This attribution is based on stylistic criteria; no visible signature has been identified.
A remarkable example of French decorative arts from the Empire period, combining sculptural quality, elegance, and precision—characteristics of luxury Parisian production during the Napoleonic era. Attributed to: Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751–1843)
Origin: Paris, France
Date: Circa 1805–1815
Period: First Empire
Materials: Mercury-gilded bronze (gilded bronze) and hand-cut crystal
Dimensions: 43 cm high × 27 cm in diameter
Condition: Good original condition, consistent with its age and use, retaining a beautiful historical patina. Slight wear consistent with its age.
11 500 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Louis 16th, Directory
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Bronze
Reference (ID): 1834261
Availability: In stock
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