Pair of centerpiece cups signed Thomire gilded bronze cherubs crystal 19th century
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Rare pair of presentation cups forming centerpieces in finely chiseled gilded bronze decorated with three cherubs or putti with scrolls; above their heads a beautiful polylobed cup in translucent and colored crystal most certainly from Saint-Louis, signed Thomire* in Paris, Empire-Restoration period circa 1810-1820 early 19th century.
These cups are in good condition and are of exceptional quality. Signature on the base of one cup. Below, inscription in ink "M. Denière 2 compotiers à anges ailés", probably a reference to Maison Denière**, a bronze shop in Paris in the 19th century, perhaps a seller of these cups.
Please note: the bronze will need to be re-cleaned, some small chips on the crystal cups (especially underneath, see photos with red arrows), micro-scratches and wear from time, see photos.
The son of a Parisian chaser, Thomire received a very comprehensive education. He worked on sculpture at the Academy of Saint-Luc in Rome with Pajou and Houdon. The latter wanted to make him a founder, but Thomire specialized in chasing and entered Gouthière's workshop. He quickly acquired from him a perfect knowledge of the secrets of the trade, particularly the matte gilding that made his master famous. In 1776, he set up his own business and became, after Gouthière's bankruptcy, the most renowned chaser. Very attracted by neo-classicism, he specialized in subjects taken from the antique repertoire and collaborated with cabinetmakers such as Guillaume Benemann. He showed his full potential by executing the bronze moldings of large Sèvres vases (he had succeeded Duplessis as the factory's bronze worker). Some of his works executed before the Revolution (for example the Independence candelabra, Louvre Museum, the large Sèvres vase, Louvre, Marie-Antoinette's jewelry box, Versailles) would have been enough to ensure his reputation, but he is even more famous for his important production of the Empire period. His taste for warlike motifs and antique subjects facilitated his adaptation to the new style, and his workshop, established as a real business, was able to produce large numbers of clocks, centerpieces, and candelabra. Many examples are still preserved in Compiègne or Fontainebleau. Participating once again in the Exhibition of Industrial Products of 1809, he was awarded another gold medal. He also obtained the patent of supplier to their Imperial and Royal Majesties. Important orders took place following the marriage of the Emperor to Archduchess Marie-Louise of Austria in 1810. One of the most significant was that of the imposing silver-gilt cradle of the King of Rome at Saint-Cloud in 1811. His factory, taken over by his sons-in-law after his retirement in 1823, was to maintain the name Thomire until the Louis-Philippe period.
was a French bronzesmith, manufacturer and banker. Son of Jean-François Deninger (known as Denière) (1775-1866), a Parisian bronze manufacturer, he succeeded his father at the head of the Denière house, an important Parisian bronze and goldsmith house, then employing 400 workers and supplier to Louis-Philippe and the upper middle class.
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