Sculptor Pierre-Philippe Thormire was one of the greatest gilt-bronze casters of the 18th and 19th centuries. His elaborate pieces and decorative objets d’art represented the finest examples of Neoclassical style. He had such patrons as Louis XVI, Napoleon, Charles X and countless members of the European aristocracy.
Born in Paris in 1751, Thomire trained as a sculptor at the Académie de Saint-Luc under master sculptors Augustin Pajou and Jean-Antoine Houdon. However, he decided to follow his father’s more lucrative profession as a bronze caster. Thomire trained in the workshop of famed gilder Pierre Gouthière, under whom he learned the skills of chasing and gilding, particularly “dorure au mat,” which produces a satin-like matte gilding finish.
Thomire was named a maître-fondeur in 1772 and established his own business in 1775. His reputation as a leading gilt metal manufacturer grew, especially among French nobles and the monarchy. The year he opened his workshop, he collaborated on the decoration of the coronation coach for Louis XVI, which was followed by royal commissions throughout the 1780s.
Thomire used his skills during the French Revolution to make arms and ammunition. He also kept creating gilt-bronze objects, such as ormolu mounts for Sèvres porcelain. In a time of upheaval, his business thrived while others foundered and went bankrupt.
In 1804, Thomire acquired the company of decorative arts dealer Martin-Eloi Lignereux. This enabled him to sell furniture, Sévres porcelain and other decorative objects, like candle holders, wall lights and centerpieces. In 1809, he was appointed the engraver for the Emperor and the official furniture supplier to Napoleon.
Shortly after, Thomire entered into a partnership with three businessmen, and the company became Thomire, Duterme et Cie. In 1815, the firm was renamed Thomire et Cie after Duterme left the business.
At 72, Thomire retired, leaving his two sons-in-law, Louis-Auguste-César Carbonelle and André-Antoine Beauvisage, to run the company. He continued to sculpt and exhibit at the Salon art exhibition until 1834.
Thomire’s pieces are in permanent collections in museums throughout Europe, including the Louvre, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Royal Collection Trust.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of antique Pierre-Philippe Thomire decorative objects, lighting and serveware.
Superb Figural Bronze with Cherubs by Samuel Marti sold by Barraud & Vignon
By Samuel Marti
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This magnificent French gilt bronze figural clock by Samuel Marti, retailed by the prestigious Parisian firm Barraud et Vignon, is an exceptional example of late 19th-century French ...
Bronze
19th C. French Louis XVI Patinated And Ormolu Bronze Clock Set By Millard Paris
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
There are clock sets that politely sit on a mantel, minding their own business… and then there are clock sets that move in like French aristocracy—three pieces, full entourage, and a...
Bronze
19th c. French Louis XV Style Ormolu & Bronze Clock Set by Balthazard Paris
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This magnificent French three-piece bronze and ormolu clock garniture, crafted during the late nineteenth century, is a superb example of the luxurious decorative arts produced durin...
Bronze
French Louis XV Style Figural Gilt Metal and Marble Clock set
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
French Three-Piece Bronze and Marble Clock Garniture with Putti and Cherubs, circa 1920 This impressive French three-piece clock garniture, dating to approximately the 1920s, is a ri...
Marble, Metal
Fine Quality French Dore' Bronze Figural Mantel Clock with Sevres Plaques
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite French Dore’ Bronze Figural Mantel Clock is a masterful example of 19th-century craftsmanship, blending artistry, luxury, and functionality into one timeless piece. Th...
Bronze
French Louis XV style Bronze Ormolu Mantle Clock with Sevres Style Plaques
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Bring timeless elegance and museum-quality artistry into your interior with this exceptional French Louis XV style doré bronze figural mantel clock, exquisitely adorned with Sèvres s...
Bronze
palatial 3 pieces clock set in bronze with cherub
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible and huge gilded and patinated bronze clock set of three pieces composed of a pair of nine lights candelabra and a clock . The candelabra are supported by a two standing c...
Bronze
Large cherub-themed gilt bronze clock garniture by Popon
By Popon A Paris
Located in London, GB
Large cherub-themed gilt bronze clock garniture by Popon French, late 19th Century Clock: Height 68cm, width 63cm, depth 26cm Candelabra: Height 89cm, ...
Ormolu, Tôle, Bronze
Monumental Gilt Bronze Clockset with Putti Playing with Flower Garlands
Located in New York, NY
The enamel dial signed ‘Marquis à Paris’ standing on oval base with exceptionally elaborate decoration all over. Origin: French Date: 19th century ...
Bronze
French Figural Cherub Gilt Bronze & Marble Candelabra Clock Set, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
French figural cherub gilt bronze and marble three piece clock set flanked by gilt bronze marble sphere six light candelabras, central clock fla...
Marble, Bronze, Enamel
Large 19th Century Bronze Bachuss Clock Set, by Deniere
By Maison Deniere
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive 19th century Louis XVI style Bachuss influenced bronze and gilded ormolu clock garniture. The pair of four branch candelabra each supported by bronze putti, raised ...
Bronze
Large 19th Century French Bronze Clock Set
By Maison Deniere
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An enchanting 19th century French gilded ormolu and patinated bronze Louis XVI style clock garniture. The four branch, Rococo influenced candelabra each supported by three classical...
Bronze, Ormolu
