Offered by MLD Antiquités
18th and 19th centuries Furniture and Fine Art
This impressive, elegant, and highly decorative pair of large candelabra, crafted in patinated and gilt bronze, depicts Winged Victories in the round, supporting a floral urn from which emerge six leaf-motif candle arms. They rest upon a sphere adorned with stylized frieze patterns.
This fine French work from the Empire period circa 1805-1810, is often attributed to the oeuvre of Pierre-Philippe Thomire.
Dimensions:
Height: 31.1 inches
Base: 6.3 x 6.3 inches
Span of arms: 9.4 inches
Condition:
In excellent condition, these candelabra retain their original patina, with minor wear that enhances their charm and authenticity.
Biography:
Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751–1843): Master Bronzeworker from the Enlightenment to the Empire Period
Born in Paris in 1751 into a family of chasers, Pierre-Philippe Thomire established himself as one of the greatest French bronzeworkers of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Trained from adolescence at the Académie de Saint-Luc, he quickly distinguished himself for his skill in sculpture and chasing, studying under renowned masters such as Augustin Pajou and Jean-Antoine Houdon. Although they saw in him a promising sculptor, Thomire turned to bronze work—a choice that would profoundly mark the history of decorative arts.
From the outset, Thomire collaborated with the leading artisans of his time, including Pierre Gouthière, the king’s chaser-founder, and Louis Prieur. His exceptional craftsmanship earned him the appointment as official bronzeworker of the Sèvres Manufacture in 1783, succeeding Jean-Claude-Thomas Duplessis. There, he created gilded bronze decorations for prestigious pieces, such as the grand Medici vases inspired by antiquity, which already showcased his style blending elegance and ornamental richness.
Under the Ancien Régime, Thomire became a favored supplier to the Crown and the City of Paris. He contributed to the creation of sumptuous objects for Marie-Antoinette, including the bronze mounts of the jewel casket gifted to the queen and the fireplace garnitures of the Palace of Versailles. The French Revolution did not end his career; he transformed his workshop into an arms factory, thus avoiding persecution while maintaining his business. His adaptability and taste for classical motifs allowed him to thrive during the Empire period, where he became the foremost bronzeworker for Napoleon I. His creations, often in collaboration with architects Percier and Fontaine, adorned imperial palaces and reflected the splendor of the new regime.
Among his most famous works are the cradle of the King of Rome, designed with the goldsmith Jean-Baptiste-Claude Odiot, as well as clocks, candelabra, and centerpieces now preserved in national museums. In 1806, he was the first bronzeworker to exhibit his creations at the Public Exhibition of Industrial Products, where he won a gold medal.
In 1823, after a prolific career, Thomire retired and entrusted his business to his sons-in-law under the name “Thomire et Cie.” Recognized for his contributions to the decorative arts, he was awarded the Legion of Honor in 1834 by Louis-Philippe. Thomire passed away in Paris in 1843, leaving behind an artistic legacy that spans from Neoclassicism to the Empire period, celebrated for its technical excellence and unparalleled aesthetic sense.
