PIERRE-PHILIPPE THOMIRE - 1751-1843 Pair of centrepiece fruit bowls: ‘A basket supported by three sculpted female figures, each holding the shaft of a torch’ gilt bronze en relief bases decorated with sculptures of ‘Cupids, wine vases and bunches of grapes’ French two "wine" mounts and a unifying element between two sculptures missing, missing, wear on the gilt, small defects marked THOMIRE À PARIS Dimensões (altura x comprimento x largura) - 48 cm Notes: Pierre-Philippe Thomire distinguished himself as one of the most important French bronze masters of the Neoclassical period and the First Empire. After receiving training from Pierre Gouthière, one of the most renowned craftsmen of his time, he founded his own workshop in Paris in 1776. Although he began his training in sculpture, Thomire chose to dedicate himself to bronze work, an activity that offered greater commercial opportunities. His workshop specialized in the production of decorative objects, lamps, clocks, and ornamental applications for luxury furniture, distinguishing himself by its high technical and artistic quality. He received a gold medal for his participation in the "Exposition Publique des Produits de l'Industrie" in 1806. He collaborated with the Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory, for which he created gilt bronze mounts intended to enrich porcelain pieces. The prestige of his work led Napoleon Bonaparte to name him, in 1809, Ciseleur de l’Empereur (Chiseler of the Emperor), in recognition of the numerous works he produced for the imperial residences. Later, his company also received the honorary title of Fournisseur de Leurs Majestés (Supplier to Their Majesties). At the beginning of the 19th century, Thomire's manufactory was considered the largest of its kind in Paris. His creations contributed decisively to the affirmation of the Empire style and remain among the most notable examples of French decorative art. Pieces by Pierre-Philippe Thomire are part of the Louvre Museum, Paris, including the cradle of the King of Rome (1811); the Palazzo Pitti in Florence, Italy; and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Vd. https://collections.louvre.fr/en/ark:/53355/cl010100835 - accessed on June 17, 2026 at 11:24 AM; https://www.palazzo-pitti.net/parrot-room.html accessed on June 17, 2026 at 11:25 AM; https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/199500 retrieved on June 17, 2026 at 11:27 AM