Empire-Period Apollo Mantel Clock by Pierre-Philippe Thomire

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Empire-Period Apollo Mantel Clock by Pierre-Philippe Thomire

Name: Empire-Period Apollo Mantel Clock by Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Brand: Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Rating: 5 (8 reviews)

About the Item

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, the most prominent bronzier of the First French Empire. Thomire's mastery over his craft is on display in the extraordinary quality of the clock's chasing and gilding, and a high level of detail is captured throughout the design. The chariot is decorated with motifs that include garlands of leaves, rosettes, eagle's heads, stylized palmettes and balusters with spiral fluting. The group rests upon an arc that is adorned with cloud motifs; its blue enamel arch is decorated with stars that are reflected on the mirrored base. As a whole, it is an extraordinary example of Empire-period sculpture. The spectacular model was quite successful during the early 19th century among important collectors of clocks, including England's King George IV and the Russian Czar Paul I. Today, these models can be found in the British Royal Collection (London) and the Hermitage Museum (St. Petersburg). Pierre-Philippe Thomire was the most important Parisian bronzier of the Empire period. Early in his career, he worked for Pierre Gouthière, the fondeur of the king, and toward the mid-1770s he began working with Louis Prieur. He later became one of the bronziers attached to the Manufacture Royale de Sèvres, creating the bronze mounts for most of the important creations of the day. After the Revolution, he purchased the fashionable premises of the marchand-mercier Martin-Eloi Lignereuz, and soon thereafter became the most important supplier of furniture bronzes for chateaux and Imperial residences throughout France. Circa 1805 31" wide x 10 3/4" deep x 30 1/2" high References: Encyclopedie de la Pendule Française du Moyen Age au XXe Siècle, Paris, 1997, by P. Kjelberg, p. 418 (illustrated) "Les Pendules au Char," in Bulletin de l'Association des Collectionneurs et Amateurs d'Horlogerie Ancienne, Paris 1993, by Y. and M. Gay, no. 66

Creator:
Pierre-Philippe Thomire (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 30.5 in (77.47 cm)Width: 31 in (78.74 cm)Length: 30.5 in (77.47 cm)
Style:
Empire (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze,Enamel,Mirror
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
Early 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1805
Condition:
Seller Location:
New Orleans, LA
Reference Number:
Seller: 31-12191stDibs: LU891118375672

Shop All Pierre-Philippe Thomire

Pierre-Philippe Thomire

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.

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