Pierre-Philippe Thomire Centerpieces
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.
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Pierre-Philippe Thomire Centerpieces
Crystal, Bronze
Early 1800s French Empire Antique Pierre-Philippe Thomire Centerpieces
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Italian Grand Tour Antique Pierre-Philippe Thomire Centerpieces
Marble
19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Antique Pierre-Philippe Thomire Centerpieces
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Pierre-Philippe Thomire Centerpieces
Agate, Ormolu, Bronze
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pierre-Philippe Thomire Centerpieces
Ceramic
19th Century French Empire Antique Pierre-Philippe Thomire Centerpieces
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Pierre-Philippe Thomire Centerpieces
Alabaster
Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Pierre-Philippe Thomire Centerpieces
Alabaster
19th Century English Regency Antique Pierre-Philippe Thomire Centerpieces
Ceramic, Porcelain
Mid-20th Century French Art Nouveau Pierre-Philippe Thomire Centerpieces
Glass
Early 20th Century French Pierre-Philippe Thomire Centerpieces
Art Glass
21st Century and Contemporary American Futurist Pierre-Philippe Thomire Centerpieces
Metal, Brass, Steel, Sheet Metal
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Pierre-Philippe Thomire Centerpieces
Bronze, Ormolu
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Pierre-Philippe Thomire Centerpieces
Bronze
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Pierre-Philippe Thomire Centerpieces
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century French Empire Antique Pierre-Philippe Thomire Centerpieces
Ormolu
