A Fine Ormolu Surtout-de-Table
Attributed to Thomire of Paris
Mounted as a Coffee Table
Of oval shape, the mirrored glass centre surrounded by a finely cast Bacchanalian gallery of twin-handled vases issuing foliage and grapevines, interspersed by arched plinth feet featuring a relief of a bacchic mask within a wreath with a lyre below. The whole supported on later parcel gilt fluted tapering legs.
French, circa 1820
Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843)
Pierre-Philippe Thomire was the most prominent bronzier of the First French Empire, renowned for setting the highest standard in neoclassical and Empire style ornamental gilt-bronze objects and furniture mounts. Trained as a sculptor, he established his firm in 1776, quickly rising to prominence by supplying all the gilt-bronze mounts for the Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory. His firm’s status was cemented during the Napoleonic era when he was named ciseleur de l’empereur (Engraver to the Emperor), supplying countless masterpieces to imperial palaces and continuing to receive important commissions after the Bourbon Restoration. His influential firm operated until 1852.
This sûrtout de table, with its finely cast Bacchus inspired gallery of vine garlands, is identical to an oblong three piece surtout signed ‘Thomire à Paris’ and illustrated in H. Ottomeyer Vergoldete Bronzen, 1986, p.387 fig. 5.16.14., now in the collections of The San Francisco Fine Arts Museum. Two drawings by Thomire in the Bibliotheque Nationale (illustrated op.cit. p. 388, il. 5.16.15) show some elements used in the present design.
Excellent condition
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