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An early 19th century French gilt bronze Surtout-du-table In the manner of Pierre-Philippe Thomire (French, 1751-1843) image 1
An early 19th century French gilt bronze Surtout-du-table In the manner of Pierre-Philippe Thomire (French, 1751-1843) image 2
An early 19th century French gilt bronze Surtout-du-table In the manner of Pierre-Philippe Thomire (French, 1751-1843) image 3
An early 19th century French gilt bronze Surtout-du-table In the manner of Pierre-Philippe Thomire (French, 1751-1843) image 4
Lot 112TP

An early 19th century French gilt bronze Surtout-du-table
In the manner of Pierre-Philippe Thomire (French, 1751-1843)

Fine Decorative Arts
1 July 2025, 14:00 BST
London, New Bond Street

Sold for £2,816 inc. premium

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An early 19th century French gilt bronze Surtout-du-table

In the manner of Pierre-Philippe Thomire (French, 1751-1843)
The oval inset mirrored plate set within an undulating pierced fruiting vine gallery, centred by fruit filled twin handled pedestal tazza above a formalised leaf and scroll border, interspaced with flower head roundels, raised on four arched panelled supports cast with female bacchante mask heads, within ribbon tied floral wreaths, above lyres flanked by formalised undulating scrolls and sprays of ivy on moulded plinth feet, the whole later raised on moulded grey painted and parcel gilt tapering fluting pilaster legs below florette rectangular panelled headers, terminating in palmette moulded toupie feet, the surtout 11cm high, 98cm wide, 70cm deep approximately, the surtout including legs 48.5cm high, 98cm wide and 70cm deep

Footnotes

Provenance
Property of a Gentleman Collector.

Surtouts-de-table gained particular popularity during the Empire period, coinciding with the rise of service à la russe—a dining style in which dishes were served sequentially rather than all at once, allowing the centre of the table to remain clear for decorative display. Thomire embraced this opportunity to create intricate centrepieces that became focal points of formal dining. His designs, often incorporating gilt-bronze ornamentation, mirrored surfaces, and glass components, heightened the visual drama of the dining experience. Many of his creations echoed the themes of food and drink, turning the table itself into a theatrical showcase.

Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751–1843) was a renowned French sculptor celebrated for his gilt-bronze creations, particularly his elaborate surtouts-de-table (table centrepieces). Crafted in Paris during the early 19th century, these opulent pieces often featured mirrored plateaus, candelabras, and ornamental motifs reflecting the food and drink served at the table. Thomire was a master craftsman, expertly trained in bronze-working, chasing, and gilding techniques. He learned the foundations of his craft from his father and refined his skills under the tutelage of Pierre Gouthière, the chief bronze maker to Louis XVI.

Thomire's distinguished work attracted the patronage of influential figures, most notably Napoleon Bonaparte, who is known to have gifted one of Thomire's surtouts de table as a wedding present. Today, Thomire's legacy endures through numerous examples held in major international collections, including the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, where his artistry continues to be admired for its refinement and inventiveness.

For a comparable Surtout-du-table signed Thomire à Paris and dated to circa 1815, see Sotheby's London, Important French Furniture and Clocks, 16th June 1989, lot 170.

Additional information

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