French Empire Gilt Bronze and Cut Glass Centrepiece Set, 1810, Set of 3

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Description

An exceptional and highly refined three-piece French Empire table garniture, comprising a large central centrepiece and a matching pair of … Read more An exceptional and highly refined three-piece French Empire table garniture, comprising a large central centrepiece and a matching pair of fruit stands, attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751–1843), Paris, circa 1810. Executed in richly gilt bronze and fitted with finely hand-cut glass dishes, the ensemble displays the exceptional quality of casting, chasing and finishing associated with the finest Parisian bronziers of the First French Empire. The monumental central piece is conceived as an elegant two-tier composition, with hand-cut glass dishes supported by an elaborate gilt-bronze framework enriched with characteristic Empire ornamentation and raised on finely modeled claw feet. The accompanying pair of fruit stands follows the same sophisticated decorative vocabulary, creating a harmonious and impressive table ensemble. Although the pieces are not signed, the attribution to Pierre-Philippe Thomire is supported by the existence of closely corresponding models represented in period designs and archival material associated with Thomire and his workshop. The attribution should therefore be understood on stylistic and documentary grounds rather than on the basis of a maker's signature.

Attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751–1843) Origin Paris, France Period First French Empire, circa 1810 Style Empire Materials Gilt Bronze and Hand-Cut Glass Dimensions Large Centrepiece: Height: 16.9 in. (43 cm) Diameter: 10.6 in. (27 cm) Pair of Fruit Stands — each: Height: 7.9 in. (20 cm) Diameter: 9.1 in. (23 cm)
Condition Good antique condition consistent with age. The gilt bronze retains an attractive historic surface with minor wear and patina. The hand-cut glass dishes show age-related wear. One of the glass dishes has an old repair; please refer carefully to the photographs for its condition. Sold as a complete three-piece ensemble consisting of one large centrepiece and a pair of matching fruit stands. See less