Centrepiece thumbnail 1
Centrepiece thumbnail 2
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Not currently on display at the V&A

Centrepiece

ca. 1810-1820 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Intended as part of a table decoration in which centrepiece, candelabra and comports were arranged on a mirror-lined plateau. From 1804 Thomire ran the leading bronze manufactory in Paris. Among its works for Napoleon's court was a cradle designed by Prud'hon for the King of Rome, produced in collaboration with the goldsmith Odiot. Thomire, apprenticed to the bronzier Pierre Gouthière, set up business in 1776, and from 1783 worked at Sèvres porcelain factory to provide mounts. He established a new bronze business in 1804 but Thomire himself retired in 1823.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Centrepiece
  • Candleholder
Materials and techniques
Gilt bronze
Brief description
Centrepiece, gilt bronze, made by Pierre Philippe Thomire, Paris, ca. 1820
Physical description
Centrepiece, ormolu. Pierced circular basket supported on a column surrounded by three dancing female figures; the drum shaped base decorated with swags of of fruit hanging from pilasters, and lyres. There is an accompanying corona of twelve small branch candlesticks (one wanting) attached to a ring to fit inside the basket. It is of later date.
Dimensions
  • Height: 76cm
  • Width: 32cm
Style
Marks and inscriptions
'THOMIRE A PARIS' (Stamped)
Gallery label
CENTREPIECE Manufacturer: Pierre Philippe Thomire (1751-1843) Paris: about 1820 Gilt bronze Stamped: THOMIRE A PARIS Intended as part of a table decoration in which centrepiece, candelabra and comports were arranged on a mirror-lined plateau. From 1804 Thomire ran the leading bronze manufactory in Paris. Among its works for Napoleon's court was a cradle designed by Prud'hon for the King of Rome, produced in collaboration with the goldsmith Odiot. Thomire, apprenticed to the bronzier Pierre Gouthière, set up business in 1776, and from 1783 worked at Sèvres porcelain factory to provide mounts. He established a new bronze business in 1804 but Thomire himself retired in 1823.(1987-2006)
Credit line
Given by Mr Douglas Vickers
Object history
Given by Mr. Douglas Vickers
Summary
Intended as part of a table decoration in which centrepiece, candelabra and comports were arranged on a mirror-lined plateau. From 1804 Thomire ran the leading bronze manufactory in Paris. Among its works for Napoleon's court was a cradle designed by Prud'hon for the King of Rome, produced in collaboration with the goldsmith Odiot. Thomire, apprenticed to the bronzier Pierre Gouthière, set up business in 1776, and from 1783 worked at Sèvres porcelain factory to provide mounts. He established a new bronze business in 1804 but Thomire himself retired in 1823.
Bibliographic reference
Hans Ottermeyer and Peter Proschel ed., Pierre-Philippe Thomire-Unternehmer und Künstler, Vergoldete Bronzen, II, Klinkhardt and Biermann, 1986, Band I, p. 387, 5.16.12
Collection
Accession number
M.135-1929

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Record createdMarch 3, 2004
Record URL
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