A magnificent ormolu centrepiece by Thomire
A so-called "surtout de table" with a mirrored well surrounded by a finely pierced gilt rim with swan motifs, baskets, arabesques and four relief busts. Engraved signature "THOMIRE A PARIS". Partially re-gilt, the mirror pane replaced. H 21, W 101, D 71 cm.
Paris, Pierre-Philippe Thomire, c. 1810 - 13.
Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751–1843) is considered the most important "bronziere" of the Empire period. His progressive designs, the exceptional quality of his gilding and the perfection of his products served to cement his fame and led to numerous orders for the Napoleonic court. His most famous design is probably the cradle for the Roi de Rome, the son of Napoleon and Marie Louise, which he carried out in collaboration with the goldsmith Odiot in 1811. Thomire was co-owner of a large and productive firm under the name Thomire, Duterme & Companie. His employees included "ciseleurs, monteurs, doreurs, marbriers, ébénistes, horlogers, et ca.". However, the fall of Napoleon also brought an end to the history of the Thomire, Duterme & Cie firm.
Literature
For more on Thomire, cf.: David Harris Cohen, Pierre-Philippe Thomire - Unternehmer und Künstler, in: Ottomeyer/Pröschel (ed.), Vergoldete Bronzen, vol. II, Munich 1986, p. 657 ff.
Cf. Wannenes, Les bronzes ornementaux et les objets montés de Louis XIV à Napoléon III, Milan 2004, p. 399.