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.
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
$1,580
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
$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
$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
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
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
$14,240 / set
H 29.14 in W 8.27 in D 8.67 in
Pair of 19th Century Empire Gilt Bronze and Patinated Bronze Victory Candelabras
By Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of Large 19th Century Empire Ormolu and Patinated Bronze Victory Sculptures Candelabras in the manner of Philippe Thomire (1751-1843) A large a...
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Four-Light Candelabras
Located in Dallas, TX
Add a touch of classical French refinement to a mantel, console, or dining table with this pair of antique Empire style candelabras. Crafted in France circa 1880, each tall candles...
Brass, Bronze
French Empire Doré Bronze Candlesticks, A Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of French Empire Doré Bronze Candlesticks. These candlesticks feature a fluted and diamond-patterned shaft rising from a circular molded base with guilloché border. The upper se...
Bronze
Pair of French Empire Period Four Light Bronze Candelabra
Located in Montreal, QC
This Hommage a Egypte pair were made at the time of Napoleon's unsuccessful foray into Egypt. The shaped bases, winged feet and triangular columns are surely inspired by the campaig...
Bronze
$7,900 / set
H 25.5 in W 9 in D 4.5 in
Pair of French Empire Gilt Patinated Bronze Three-Light Candelabra ca. 1815
Located in Shippensburg, PA
PAIR OF EMPIRE GILT AND PATINATED BRONZE THREE-LIGHT CANDELABRA Paris, France ca. 1815-35 raised on antico verde marble plinths 25 1/2" H x 9" W x 4 1/2" D A very finely chiseled ...
Marble, Bronze
Pair of 19th c. French Empire Bronze Dore Nike Candelabra
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of nineteenth century French Empire style bronze dore three arm candelabra, each featuring a classical winged victory or Nike figure positioned atop a tiered, architectural pede...
Bronze
French Design, Empire, Candelabras, Patinated Bronze, France, 19th C.
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Empire 19th century bronze candelabras depicting insects. These are quite possibly the finest cast bronze pieces on the market. Each having a center column formed rod with wi...
Bronze
$3,000 / set
H 22.5 in W 7 in D 7 in
19th Century French Empire Bronze Dore Candelabras with Winged Figures
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of French Empire-style (19th Century) bronze dore 3 arm candelabras supported by winged figures (PRICED AS PAIR).
Bronze
Pair French Empire Figural Bronze Candelabra Signed Chibout
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This finely detailed, and hand chased pair of bronze candelabra were made by Pierre Chibout. Active 1806-24, he worked with Claude Francois Rabiat who's workshop he took over in 181...
Bronze, Ormolu
Sold
H 53 in W 14 in D 11 in
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
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