A Fine And Rare pair of gilt bronze and or Ormolu and patinated bronze Empire candelabras. French Empire, Circa: 1810. Measuring: 25" high.
This large and Important pair of bronze works is firmly attributed to Pierre-Phillipe Thomire (1751-1843).
Identical candelabra of the exact
form, size, and casting were supplied to several Important Houses in Europe during the Empire period from about 1800-1815.
In 1809 the Emperor Napoleon made him ciseleur de l'empereur (Engraver
to the Emperor); because of the large number of pieces Thomire supplied
to the palaces, his firm became fournisseur de leurs majestés
(Furniture
Suppliers to their Majesties) two years later.
Thomire's business managed to survive even after Napoleon's downfall,
winning numerous medals at various exhibitions. He finally retired at
the age of seventy-two but continued to work as a sculptor, exhibiting
at the Salon until he was in his eighties.
This may have been a commissioned work for a Noble or person of high standing at that time
because of extreme quality that this pair display. All original with the mercury gilding still in tact showing the
matte yellow gold accented by hand burnished areas of brilliance for contrast. Overall condition excellent with only slight wear to the gilding on bottom square plinth bases.
An identical pair of Thomire candelabra are exhibited in the Museum collection of the octagonal-morning room at Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire, England. Please see all photos and text for more information and examples. |
