Large and Important French Empire Ormolu 'Piece de Milieu' circa 1810/1820

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About the Item

A magnificent Empire gilt bronze figural centrepiece attributed to the pre-eminent bronzier Pierre-Philippe Thomire, with a pierced basket above three supporting winged cherubs. Intended to hold flowers or fruit, this wonderful centrepiece formed part of a ‘surtout de table’, an elaborate dining service, which was displayed on a long mirrored plateau in the centre of a grand dining table. This type of service was developed in France during Napoleon’s rule and in the wake of his various conquests was soon adopted throughout Europe. Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843), who was elected ciseleur de l’Empereur in 1809 in recognition of his service to Napoleon, created some of the very finest and most lavish surtouts for the Emperor and members of his Imperial court. Considered the greatest fondeur-ciseleur of his age, he had originally trained as a sculptor under Houdon and Pajou at the Academie de Saint Luc. He then followed his father’s profession as a bronzier, becoming a maître in 1772. Two years later he was apprenticed under the celebrated ciseleur, Pierre Gouthière (1732-1813), from whom he acquired the art of fine chasing and gilding of bronzes. Literature: Hans Ottomeyer and Peter Pröschel, 'Vergoldete Bronzen', 1986, p. 384, pl. 5.16.4, illustrating a similar centrepiece with almost identical winged cherubs, in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris. Léon de Groër, 'Les Arts Décoratifs de 1790 à 1850', 1985, p. 39, pl. 55, showing the Salon de la Reine Marie-Louise at Casa del Labrador, Aranjuez, Spain, featuring a very similar centrepiece upon the dining table.

Attributed to:
Pierre-Philippe Thomire (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 24.61 in (62.5 cm)Diameter: 7.88 in (20 cm)
Style:
Empire (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Ormolu
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1810/1820
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Amsterdam, NL
Reference Number:
Seller: 5051stDibs: 131010994572

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