Estimate

950 - 1.000

Session 2

23 November 2022

Hammer Price

Description

France
Matte and polished gilt bronze of rounded shape with palm friezes, foliage, laurels and beading decoration resting on 4 claw feet
Pierced bowl of arches and spirals motifs
19th century
(signs of wear to base but otherwise in very good condition)

Diam.: 21,33 cm

Category

Objects

Additional Information

Signalling wealth and power, gilt bronze made centrepieces reach their highest pick under the First Empire, being frequently composed of a large number of elements, amongst which stood out, as in the example herewith described, the large containers destined to hold flowers and ornamental fruits.
For their importance in the household, such objects are eloquent testimonies of the table splendours in the early 19th century, always being signed by the most renowned bronze casters of the period.
A considerable number of these luxury objects were produced by Pierre-Philippe THOMIRE (1751-1843), the most important maker of its time, who supplied consecutively King Louis XVI, Emperor Napoleon I, Kings Louis XVIII and Louis-Philippe I as well as their respective courtiers.
For its technical and artistic characteristics, this centrepiece is closely related to the best produced in that period.

Literature: H. Ottomeyer et P. Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986.