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1 of 253523 objects
Pedestal 1826
Ebonised oak, gilt bronze | 102.2 x 129.5 x 82.5 cm (whole object) | RCIN 31360
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An ebonised oak base for the equestrian bronze statuette of Louis XIV by Francois Girardon (RCIN31359), the sides inset with cast and chased gilt-bronze reliefs depicting Louis XIV crossing the Rhine in 1672 and the capture of Valenciennes in 1677, both incidents from the Franco-Dutch War. Gilt-bronze military trophies are mounted at each end of the pedestal and female figure stand at the angles, representing the Four Cardinal Virtues.
Provenance
Commissioned for George IV by Benois in Paris from Thomire & Cie for £281 3s 6d; delivered to Carlton House in 1826.
Pierre-Philippe Thomire was the outstanding Parisian bronzeur and gilder of the early nineteenth century. He supplied finely chased mounts to leading Parisien ébénistes for furniture, clocks and the Sèvres porcelain factory. He was much patronised by Napoleon who made him Ciseleur de l'Empereur. His work represents some of the finest examples of Empire style.
In 1804 he acquired business of the marchand-mercier, Martin-Eloi Lignereux. The company employed a large workforce in a workshop at rue Boucherat and a showroom at rue Taitbout, from where Thomire retailed a large range of decorative objects inspired by antiquity including candelabra, extravagant centrepieces, clock cases and monumental Greek and Roman style urns and vases.
Thomire collaborated with three partners, renaming the business for a time Thomire, Duterme et Cie. The business suffered as a result of France's continuing European hostilities and to avoid bankruptcy the firm was granted dispensation to trade with the Prince Regent . Soon after 1815 the partnership with Duterme was dissolved and, under the old style, Thomire et Cie thrived once more under the restored Bourbons.
Thomire retired in 1823 and his two sons-in-law, Louis-Auguste-Cesar Carbonelle and André-Antoine Beauvisage, continued the business until 1852. Thomire continued to work as a sculptor and exhibited regularly at the Salon until 1834.
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Creator(s)
(bronze maker)(maker)(bronze maker)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Ebonised oak, gilt bronze
Measurements
102.2 x 129.5 x 82.5 cm (whole object)
Category