Pierre-Philippe Thomire
Biography1751 - 1843
About the artist
Pierre-Philippe Thomire was born in 1751 and grew out to be one of the most famous bronze casters and ciseleurs during the French Empire era. Although he had received training as a sculptor, Thomire chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and take up a more lucrative profession of ‘Fondeur’, or caster.
He grew to be the leading bronze artist of the late 18th and early 19th century. Thomire was trained by Gouthière, but soon established his own workshop for manufacturing ornamental bronzes for furniture. Later Thomire became assistant to Duplessis, the director of the Manufacture de Sèvres. After Duplessis had passed away in 1783, Thomire became involved with bronze castings once again, now manufacturing bronze fittings for porcelain artefacts. In 1809 he was awarded the title of ‘Ciseleur de l’Empereur’. We know his signature to be: THONISSEN A PARIS. He passed away in 1843.
He grew to be the leading bronze artist of the late 18th and early 19th century. Thomire was trained by Gouthière, but soon established his own workshop for manufacturing ornamental bronzes for furniture. Later Thomire became assistant to Duplessis, the director of the Manufacture de Sèvres. After Duplessis had passed away in 1783, Thomire became involved with bronze castings once again, now manufacturing bronze fittings for porcelain artefacts. In 1809 he was awarded the title of ‘Ciseleur de l’Empereur’. We know his signature to be: THONISSEN A PARIS. He passed away in 1843.
