Sculptor Pierre-Philippe Thormire was one of the greatest gilt-bronze casters of the 18th and 19th centuries. His elaborate pieces and decorative objets d’art represented the finest examples of Neoclassical style. He had such patrons as Louis XVI, Napoleon, Charles X and countless members of the European aristocracy.
Born in Paris in 1751, Thomire trained as a sculptor at the Académie de Saint-Luc under master sculptors Augustin Pajou and Jean-Antoine Houdon. However, he decided to follow his father’s more lucrative profession as a bronze caster. Thomire trained in the workshop of famed gilder Pierre Gouthière, under whom he learned the skills of chasing and gilding, particularly “dorure au mat,” which produces a satin-like matte gilding finish.
Thomire was named a maître-fondeur in 1772 and established his own business in 1775. His reputation as a leading gilt metal manufacturer grew, especially among French nobles and the monarchy. The year he opened his workshop, he collaborated on the decoration of the coronation coach for Louis XVI, which was followed by royal commissions throughout the 1780s.
Thomire used his skills during the French Revolution to make arms and ammunition. He also kept creating gilt-bronze objects, such as ormolu mounts for Sèvres porcelain. In a time of upheaval, his business thrived while others foundered and went bankrupt.
In 1804, Thomire acquired the company of decorative arts dealer Martin-Eloi Lignereux. This enabled him to sell furniture, Sévres porcelain and other decorative objects, like candle holders, wall lights and centerpieces. In 1809, he was appointed the engraver for the Emperor and the official furniture supplier to Napoleon.
Shortly after, Thomire entered into a partnership with three businessmen, and the company became Thomire, Duterme et Cie. In 1815, the firm was renamed Thomire et Cie after Duterme left the business.
At 72, Thomire retired, leaving his two sons-in-law, Louis-Auguste-César Carbonelle and André-Antoine Beauvisage, to run the company. He continued to sculpt and exhibit at the Salon art exhibition until 1834.
Thomire’s pieces are in permanent collections in museums throughout Europe, including the Louvre, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Royal Collection Trust.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of antique Pierre-Philippe Thomire decorative objects, lighting and serveware.
Pair French Empire Egyptian Doré Bronze Candelabra Designed by Charles Percier
By Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Located in New York, NY
Thomier A Paris, A Monumental & Quite Rare Pair of French Empire Egyptian Style Doré Bronze and Patinated bronze Seven Light Candelabras After Designs by Charles Percier, Signed ...
Bronze
Pr. French Empire Dore Bronze 6-Light Candelabra w Swans, signed Thomire a Paris
By Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Located in New York, NY
An Exceptional and Quite Rare Pair of French Empire Period Dore Bronze Six-Light Candelabra with Swans, Signed Thomire a Paris. The candelabra are cast in dore bronze and formed wit...
Ormolu
Signed Bronze Pierre-Philippe Thomire of Paris Clock Putti Cherub Clock Set
By Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Presenting a spectacular early 19th-century French three-piece bronze doré clock set signed by Thomire of Paris, a breathtaking ensemble that epitomizes the luxury, craftsmanship, an...
Bronze
Antique Empire Period Gilt Bronze Clock by Pierre-Philippe Thomire
By Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Located in London, GB
Antique Empire period gilt bronze clock by Pierre-Philippe Thomire French, Early 19th Century Height 45cm, width 29cm, depth 19cm This superb gilt bronze clock, created by the renow...
Ormolu
$1,627
H 17 in W 13.75 in D 7.5 in
19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Three-Light Sconce, Wall Candelabra
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
French Empire gilt bronze three-arm wall candleholder finely ornate with foliate, acorn motifs and three female faces, circa 1850-1870. This wall candelabra can easily be converted ...
Bronze
Early 19th Century French Empire Bronze NIKE Figural Candelabra
By Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This stately patinated and fire gilt bronze candelabrum is of the finest quality, and retains its original finish. The figure of Nike (Winged Victory) standing on a gilt globe holds...
Bronze
$4,200
H 13.75 in W 12.25 in D 4.5 in
Empire Period Mantle Clock by Leroy a Paris, Bronze & Ormolu, 1815
Located in Montreal, QC
This mantle clock is by a well-respected Paris maker in a fashionable style. The oval base supports a vase shaped clock case in turn supported by winged dolphin heads and flanked by ...
Bronze, Ormolu
$18,000
H 25.5 in W 20.5 in D 8 in
French Figural Cherub Gilt Bronze & Marble Candelabra Clock Set, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
French figural cherub gilt bronze and marble three piece clock set flanked by gilt bronze marble sphere six light candelabras, central clock fla...
Marble, Bronze, Enamel
Pair of French Crystal and Bronze Doré Two-Light Candelabra
By Baccarat
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This graceful pair of French crystal candelabra features tall, tapered spike-form finials with paneled sides. The pieces have scrolling bronz...
Crystal, Bronze
$2,100Sale Price|40% Off
H 15 in W 7 in D 5 in
A Homer bust ormolu empire clock in the manner of Thomire
By Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Located in Harrington Park, NJ
AN EMPIRE ORMOLU BUST OF HOMER After the Antique The bearded bust of Homer on a rectangular clock decorate with lyres and gryphon heads on the side
Bronze, Ormolu
Empire Bronze and Ormolu Cartel Clock by Bailly, Paris
Located in Essex, MA
A wall clock with gilt bronze ribbon bow joining a gilt bronze ribbon attached to the clock case with patinated bronze back section and laurel leaf mounted surrounding a circular glass hinged cover opening to an enamelled dial signed Bailly a Paris. An eagle with spread wings at the base seated on a plinth. All finely cast. The laurel leaves signify victory and the eagle represents strength and power. Bailly is considered on of the finest French clock makers...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
$2,850 / set
H 25 in W 14 in D 10 in
Pair of French Doré Bronze Crystal Girandoles Candelabras Three-Light Lamps
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful pair of French doré bronze and crystal girandoles / candelabras with three lights as lamps.
Crystal, Bronze
Clock in Gilt Bronze, Empire Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Clock in chiselled and gilt bronze composed by a rectangular base on which stand the dial-plate and a statuette of Bacchus. Round dial-plate with Roman numbers off-center on the righ...
Bronze
$3,950 / set
H 35 in W 8 in D 8 in
French Pair of Empire Patina Dore Bronze Winged Lady Victory Candelabras
Located in Roslyn, NY
Wonderful pair French Napoleon III Empire style gilt doré and patinated bronze neoclassic three-arm candelabra with finely cast detail, each featuring a classical winged lady victory...
Bronze
$25,856
H 17.33 in W 7.88 in D 4.14 in
Rare Gilt-bronze French Empire Charles X Sunflower Mantel Clock
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Gilt and patinated bronze. The original movement has been cleaned and revised and is in perfect working condition (runs for around one week). Overall authentic condition with its ori...
Bronze
Elegant French Empire Doré Bronze Crystal Three-Light Fixture Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
Very fine, beautifully detailed French doré bronze and crystal three-arm chandelier with flame top urn centre in the neoclassical style.
Crystal, Bronze
Empire-Period Apollo Mantel Clock by Pierre-Philippe Thomire
By Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Located in New Orleans, LA
The Greek god Apollo drives his Chariot of the Sun across the sky atop this exceptional Empire clock. The clock face is cleverly contained within the wheel of Apollo's chariot, while the dial indicates the hour on Arabic numerals with Breguet hands. The impressive timepiece was crafted by Pierre-Philippe Thomire...
Bronze, Enamel
Period French Empire Candelabra in Ormolu by Thomire
By Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Located in Essex, MA
Period Empire gilt and patinated bronze by Thomire Incredible original fire gilt and ormolu work. Documented model by Pierre-Philippe Thomire, a Paris was originally one of a pai...
Bronze
Pair of Antique French Two Tiered Tazzas or Centerpieces by P. Philippe Thomier
By Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of Antique French Neoclassical hand diamond cut Crystal and Dore Bronze Two Tiered Tazzas/Centerpieces, Signed by Pierre-Philippe Thomier (1751–1843). The diamond cut tra...
Crystal, Bronze