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A significant Empire-period centerpiece, in finely chiseled bronze gilded with mercury, attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751–1843). The composition features three caryatids draped in the classical style, in patinated bronze, standing on richly modeled cushions adorned with finely chiseled tortoises, which directly support the openwork basket decorated with palmettes and foliage, entirely gilded. This elaborate iconographic arrangement, combining symbolism and function, exemplifies the refined artistic vocabulary characteristic of the Empire style’s most ambitious creations. The architecturally designed, beveled base is adorned with neoclassical trophies and attributes and rests on lion’s paws and claws—a motif of power and majesty—reinforcing the monumental character of the piece as a whole. The exceptional quality of the chiseling, the richness of the mercury gilding, and the balance of the composition place this piece among the finest works of the Thomire workshop, the official supplier to the imperial palaces. Parisian work from the Empire period, circa 1805–1810. Height: 53 cm. Museum-quality, in very fine condition. THOMIRE: One of the most remarkable bronze casters of his generation, he is renowned for his production of bronze furnishings during the Ancien Régime. He elevated this craft to its highest level of quality during the Empire, while also establishing, in the early years of the 19th century, an industrial enterprise whose influence extended throughout Europe. He retired in 1823.
Ref: VOFVMP4199