These centerpieces would have formed part of an elaborate surtout-de-table and combine elements from two pairs by Thomire illustrated in H. Ottomeyer and P. Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, 1986, vol. I, p. 386, nos. 5.16.9 and 5.16.10, the latter sold Sotheby's London, 25 June 1982, lot 233. A similar centerpiece fitted as a candelabrum was sold from the Edward James Collection, Sussex, West Dean Park, Christie's on the Premises, 2-6 June 1986, lot 338.

Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843) is recorded as the foremost fondeur-ciseleur and bronzier of his time and produced an unparalleled oeuvre spanning ormolu mounts for furniture, sculpture and objets d'art.