Lot 131
A PAIR OF LARGE FRENCH EMPIRE STYLE GILT AND PATINATED BRONZE BRÛLE-PARFUMS, IN THE MANNER OF PIERRE-PHILIPPE THOMIRE
LATE 19TH CENTURY
The Line of Beauty: A Collector’s Pursuit
Auction: 01 July 2026 from 10:00 BST
Description
the pierced covers with acorn finials above urn-shaped bodies with separately cast rims of grape clusters and leaves, above a continuous band of dancing maenads and braziers, with rams' head handles to the sides, on socle bases raised on stepped square plinths mounted with flaming urns, griffins, and classical portrait relief medallions (2)
Dimensions
65cm high
Footnote
Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843) was the outstanding Parisian bronzeur and gilder of the early nineteenth century. He supplied finely chased mounts to leading Parisien ébénistes for furniture, clocks and the Sèvres porcelain factory. He was much patronised by Napoleon who made him Ciseleur de l'Empereur. His work represents some of the finest examples of Empire style. He retired in 1823 but continued to work occasionally as a sculptor.