Rating and value of Thomire clocks, sculptures and candelabra

The beginnings of Thomire

Pierre-Philippe Thomire was born in Paris in 1751 and died in 1843. Grand maître du bronze de la fin du XVIIIème siècle et début du XIXème siècle, il apprend auprès des plus grands maîtres de la statuaire : Augustin Pajou and Jean-Antoine Houdon. The artist then trained with bronze-maker Pierre Gouthière. In contact with the great master - who himself worked for Marie-Antoinette - Thomire excelled with his talents in bronze gilding and chasing. At the age of 25, he set up on his own and created the bronzes for Louis XVI's coronation carriage. He is then appointed to the Manufacture de Sèvres. At the same time, he received commissions for the great royal castles from Queen Marie-Antoinette and executed prestigious works preserved, for example, at Versaillesbut also at the Château de Compiègne.

Rating and value of Thomire bronze creations

These price estimates are based on authentic, quality Thomire bronzes, but it should be noted that actual prices may vary depending on the historical significance, rarity, provenance, size, complexity of the sculpture and state of preservation of each individual piece. It is recommended to consult specialized experts and auctioneers for accurate and up-to-date appraisals of Thomire bronzes.

The Thomire house in the 19th century

At the end of the 18th century and the abolition of guilds, Thomire suffered the throes of the revolution. The artist nevertheless came to prominence again during theFirst Empire, when he won a gold medal at the Exposition Publique des Produits de l'Industrie. His success spread beyond France's borders, with the artist devoting much of his production to export. In 1809, he was awarded the brevet de fournisseur de Leurs Majestés Impériales et royales. The " Empire fashion" of the period allowed the artist to flourish. Fascinated by mythology and antiquity, his works feature nymphs, gods and other mythological references, to which he incorporates thoroughly Empire elements, and he makes a specialty of subject clocks, where he chisels more lifelike works from bronze, which achieve significant results at auction. After the fall of the Empire, his popularity continued unabated, and Thomire continued to supply the royal clientele during theRestoration.

The example of a Thomire clock at auction

This Thomire clock features significant dimensions : 60 cm high ! It could almost be described as a "ministry clock". It features the god Apollo, wearing his lyre on his back and leaning on a column in which the dial is inscribed. At the top of the column is a frieze of acanthus leaves, a reference to antiquity, and five stars, typically Empire motifs. The base of the clock is adorned with Empire style motifs as well: garland, butterflies (traditionally associated with Empress Josephine but which here may be a reference to Psyche), and a frieze of lotus leaves. It is gilded with matte.

The representation of the god of song, the arts and beauty is a subject particularly appreciated by the artist. Similar clocks can be found at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, the Château de Windsor in England, the château de la Malmaison and the Musée des arts décoratifs in Paris.

An exceptional model sold at auction, at Hôtel Drouot for 3120€.