Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843) stands as one of the most illustrious French bronziers of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship in mercury gilded and patinated bronze. Born in Paris on 6 December 1751, and died in the same city on 9 June 1843, Thomire initially trained as a sculptor under the tutelage of esteemed artists Jean-Antoine Houdon and Augustin Pajou at the Académie de Saint-Luc. However, he soon transitioned to the art of bronze casting, apprenticing with the master bronzier Pierre Gouthière, whose influence profoundly shaped Thomire’s approach to the fondeur-ciseleur craft.
In 1776, Thomire established his own workshop, quickly gaining prominence for his finely chased and gilded bronze mounts. His early collaborations with the Manufacture Royale de Sèvres, particularly in creating ornate mounts for porcelain vases, showcased his ability to harmoniously blend bronze with other materials. Notably, in 1783–84, he executed gilt-bronze handles designed by Louis-Simon Boizot for a pair of Sèvres vases, now housed in the Musée du Louvre and the Palazzo Pitti.
Thomire’s reputation soared during the Napoleonic era, where his mastery in the Empire style earned him the title of “ciseleur de l’Empereur” (Chaser to the Emperor). He acquired the premises of the renowned marchand-mercier Martin-Éloi Lignereux on 41 Rue Taitbout, expanding his operations significantly. By 1807, his workshop employed several hundred artisans, producing an array of decorative bronzes for imperial residences, including the Tuileries, Fontainebleau, and Compiègne.
Among his most celebrated commissions was the cradle for the King of Rome, a collaborative masterpiece with silversmith Jean-Baptiste-Claude Odiot, designed by Pierre-Paul Prud’hon. This opulent piece, adorned with allegorical figures and intricate gilding, exemplified the grandeur of Napoleonic decorative arts.
Following the fall of Napoleon, Thomire adeptly navigated the changing political landscape, continuing to receive commissions under the Bourbon Restoration. His firm, Thomire et Cie., supplied decorative bronzes to royal patrons, including King Louis XVIII and Charles X, as well as to European aristocracy. In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Thomire was awarded the Legion of Honour in 1834 by King Louis-Philippe.
Thomire retired in 1823, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly influenced the decorative arts of his time. His works are preserved in prestigious institutions worldwide, such as the Musée du Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Royal Collection Trust, attesting to his enduring impact on the art of bronze craftsmanship.
Explore our collection of Empire mantel clocks , Empire candelabra and candlesticks and other decorative art objects by Pierre-Philippe Thomire and his contemporaries in our gallery.
