Pair of French Empire Candelabra in the Manner of Pierre-Philippe Thomire

A large pair of French Empire period chased, gilded bronze six-arm candelabra converted into table lamps. The bases rise from triangular plinths supporting three winged sphinxes with...

a pair of fine lamps of Siena marble with gold and silver gilt bronze mounts and supports, France, circa 1830 37" H x 8" diameter base PRICED WITHOUT SHADES (SHADES AVAILABLE SE...

an exquisite French Empire pair of finely cast patinated and gilt bronze cassolettes now as custom lamps, rectangular plinth bases with ormolu / gilt bronze bas relief portrait profi...

Winged Victory French Empire figural lamp patinated and gilt bronze, column on stepped black veined marble base. 19th century, France MEASUREMENTS; 30.25" H x 16" diameter (shade)...

A pair of gilt and patinated bronze candelabra, each with a female figure Holding two coronets on base, treangular with elaborate filagree mounts. Frances. Circa 1830

a handsome pair of Empire-style gilt bronze mounted (ormolu) mahogany marble top vitrines / display cabinets, each with two interior glass shelves, glass on three (3) sides, back and...

A pair of exceptionally elegant and important late Empire five-light figural candelabra ‘A la Victoire’ in gilt-bronze, attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire, after a design by Charles Percier. Imposing size at 81cm in height. Paris c.1820 Superbly cast, in the Neo-Classical style, the five scrolling foliate candle branches enclosing central sconces issuing from a circular wreath supported by the winged figure of Victory (Nike), wearing diaphanous robes gathered by a sash above a long underskirt splaying out from above her ankles, with beautifully feathered wings flowing behind her as she looks straight ahead. Each figure standing on one foot, the other bent, resting on a plain sphere over a reeded palmette-cast baluster pedestal raised on square plinth. Wonderful colour and patina, pierced for electricity, old inventory label to the underside. We are delighted to have been able to acquire these important candelabra as rarely does one get the opportunity to purchase items by P P Thomire, who was the leading Parisian gilt metal manufacturer and gilder of the early 19th century. As noted below candelabra of this caliber are often found in museums and important private & Royal collections. Provenance. These came from a private Swiss collection which had been in the family since the early 20th Century. Literature. The present candelabra were certainly made after, or at least inspired by, designs by the architects Charles Percier (1764–1838) and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine (1762–1853) who were the two most influential figures in the field of Empire decoration and furnishing. Official architects to the court of Napoleon, their main responsibility was the renovation of the various royal residences. Their Recueil des décorations intérieures (1812) was an essential handbook of the Empire style. The personification of Victory as a winged figure became an integral element within Empire design as a symbol of military triumph through the intervention of Percier and Fontaine. The design for the present pair of candelabra is believed to have derived from a design by Charles Percier’s workshop in his drawings for Empress Josephine’s boudoir at Saint Cloud (*at the Metropolitan Museum in New York). This depicts the winged figure of Victory balanced on one foot supporting candelabra. The design was successfully exploited by Thomire (1751-1843) as well as his contemporary Claude Galle (1759-1815). Pierre-Philippe Thomire was almost unrivalled as a bronzeur in this period. Thomire, who was born in Paris, followed his father's profession as a fondeur-ciseleur. His career was advanced when he studied under the great fondeur-doreur, Pierre Gouthière, from whom he acquired the most refined skills in chasing and gilding, in particular matt gilding 'dorure au matt', to produce a subtle grainy satin-like finish. By the late eighteenth century Thomire had achieved considerable renown, having enjoyed the patronage of Louis XVI. His name occurs often in the accounts of the Royal Furniture Repository between 1784-1789, in the ledgers of Louis XVI and in those of the manufactory of Sevres. After the French Revolution he returned to making decorative bronzes and thereafter enjoyed the patronage of Napoleon and subsequently the restored Bourbon monarchy, as well as foreign royalty and aristocracy. Appointed a maître-fondeur in 1772, he set up his own business in 1776 following a collaboration with Jean-Louis Prieur in the decoration of Louis XVI's coronation coach...

Princely splendid candelabra after Pierre Philippe Thomire (1751-1843) exceptionally fine engraved and moulded bronze. Fully moulded designed f...

Exceptionally fine engraved and moulded bronze. Fully moulded Designed figurines (Victoria). Overhead and hand held torch formed shaft with 12 fully Horn-style sweeping light arms....

A very fine single French Empire style gilt bronze three-light candelabra featuring the allegorical "à la Victoire". The winged figure holds aloft in her out stretched arms two intricately designed candle-wells in the form of baskets, with an additional basket overhead. She stands balanced on an embossed cylinder over a double plinth with a squared base. This piece is for the serious collector passionate about finely handcrafted decorative arts with superior craftsmanship. It is flawlessly cast and highly detailed, take notice of the folds of her dress that seem to fly in the wind. Done in the distinct manner of Pierre Philippe Thomire (French, 1751-1843) after the original design by Charles Percier...

A pair of Empire ceremonial candelabras / candlesticks after P. P. Thomire Victoria standing on a gold ball in a long, pleated robe, carrying a vase with a central shaft and 7 c...

Princely splendor candelabra after P. Philippe Thomire, (1751-1843). Exceptionally fine engraved and moulded bronze. Fully moulded designed figurines...