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Lot Essay
Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843) studied under both the 18th century sculptors Pajou and Houdon and the bronzier Gouthière. But by the early 19th century he had become famous for his gilt-bronze furniture mounts, clocks, candelabra and other table decorations. His firm was one of the most successful of the Empire period although it continued well after his most famous patron Napoleon left France, even into the 1850's. From 1819 the company was known simply as Thomire & Compagnie.
Beginning in 1789, Thomire incorporated Sèvres procelain into his objects but increasingly glass was used. A similar tazza, bought by the Danish Crown Prince in 1822 and still in Rosenborg Castle, displays some of the late Empire elements present in the above lot. See H. Ottomeyer and P. Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, vol. I, Munich, 1986, p. 385.
Beginning in 1789, Thomire incorporated Sèvres procelain into his objects but increasingly glass was used. A similar tazza, bought by the Danish Crown Prince in 1822 and still in Rosenborg Castle, displays some of the late Empire elements present in the above lot. See H. Ottomeyer and P. Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, vol. I, Munich, 1986, p. 385.