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
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
$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
$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
Russian Empire Style Malachite and Gilt Bronze Portico Clock
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a striking Russian Empire-style portico mantel clock, richly veneered in vibrant green malachite and adorned with finely cast gilt bronze mounts. The architectural case is fo...
Malachite, Brass
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
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
$26,134
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
French Empire Figural Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in New York, NY
Winged cupid with flowing robe, clock resting between wings and fabric, raised on bronze ormolu-mounted verde antico plinth. France, first half of the 19th century. Measures: H ...
Marble, Bronze, Enamel
Fine Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock with Putti by A Paris
By Antide Janvier
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite figural bronze mantel clock with Putti leaning on clock face which sits on a fluted column draped in garlands and fabrics. Sitting on a r...
Bronze
$2,800
H 16 in W 12.5 in D 5.25 in
French Empire Period Ormolu Bronze Mantel Clock - Allegory of Astronomy
Located in New York, NY
French Empire period early 19th century ormolu bronze mantel clock depicting Urania, muse of astronomy, in an allegory of astronomy, beside a variety of scientific instruments. 16 b...
Bronze
$6,800
H 18.5 in W 12 in D 5 in
A French Antique Empire Gilt Bronze Silk Thread Mantel Clock, Circa 1820
Located in Tarzana, CA
A French Antique Empire Gilt Bronze Silk Thread Mantel Clock The neoclassical theme with a lady and a mandolin.The clock retains its original blued steel Breguet style hands. The ...
Bronze
$11,195Sale Price|20% Off
H 21 in W 14.5 in D 9.5 in
Early 19th Century French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Figural Clock
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Early 19th century French Empire period gilt bronze figural clock. Free shipping within the United States and Canada.
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