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.
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
$4,129
H 18.12 in W 14.97 in D 5.12 in
Antique French Empire Style Ormolu Bronze Mantel Clock with Goddess 'Ceres'
By Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Located in Madrid, ES
Following a model by early 19th century Paris sculptor and bronzier Pierre-Philippe Thomire, and showcasing many of the neoclassical design elements common to the Empire Style popula...
Bronze
$2,750
H 13 in W 11 in D 4.25 in
Wonderful French Empire Dore and Patinated Bronze Cherub Putti Wreath Clock
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French Empire doré and patinated bronze Cherub Putti wreath clock, not currently in working order, back cover is missing as is bel...
Bronze
$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
French Restauration Gilt Bronze Clock Signed Mesnil, Paris
Located in Essex, MA
With pointed architectural pediment over an enamel clock face with signature of Mesnil of Paris. With black marble frieze and white marble columns with b...
Marble, 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
$20,899
H 17.72 in W 11.42 in D 7.49 in
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
$10,303 / set
H 23.5 in W 8.25 in D 7.75 in
Fine Ormolu and Marble Cherub Clock Set by H Luppens Paris
By Samuel Marti, H. Luppens & Cie
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A large and magnificent clock set by the renown bronze founder H Luppens of Brussels. Classically modelled in the Louis XVI style, the clock features three ormolu cherubs toiling to ...
Marble, Ormolu
$24,500
H 16.25 in W 14.13 in D 7.81 in
Venus Clipping the Wings of Cupid Mantel Clock by Thomire & Cie
By Louis Moinet, Thomire & Cie.
Located in New Orleans, LA
This splendid Empire gilt bronze French mantel clock, signed on the dial by bronzier Pierre-Philippe Thomire and watchmaker Louis Moinet, features an exquisitely detailed scene of Ve...
Marble, Bronze
Baroque Style Bronze and Ormolu Cherub Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Baroque style bronze and ormolu cherub mantel clock French, late 19th century Measures: Height 69cm, width 35cm, depth 26.5cm This dramatic a...
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
$6,801
H 11.03 in W 9.85 in D 3.94 in
French Museum Ormolu Mantle Clock, Pendule 'Au Char', Thomire, Paris, Ca 1820
By Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Located in Vienna, AT
Exquisite mantel clock made of fire-gilded and patinated bronze from the early 19th century: Structure in the form of a rectangular gilded base on four conical feet with chiselling, ...
Bronze
Raingo Freres Three-Piece Bronze Cherub Clock Set
By Raingo Frères
Located in London, GB
This graceful, joyous antique clock set is a reminder of why the 19th century Parisian clockmaking firm Raingo Freres is so highly revered: the beautiful...
Ormolu, Bronze
Large 19th Century Bronze Cherub Mantel Clock
By Charles Du Tertre 1
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A wonderfully impressive 19th century Louis XVI style Cherub mantel clock with maps and a globe above a white enamel clock face, the eight day hou...
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