Important Inkstand in “Antique Green” Marble and Finely Chased Gilt Bronze
Attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751–1843)
Empire period
A magnificent rectangular inkstand crafted in Antique Green serpentine breccia, resting on four gilt bronze lion paw feet.
The central section is adorned with a rhyton featuring a chimera lion’s head, flanked by two athénienne-style cups, each supported by winged lion-head monopodia legs.
The upper section is partially recessed to serve as a pen tray.
Attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire, one of the most celebrated bronziers of the Napoleonic era, renowned for his refined neoclassical ornamentation.
Dimensions: H. 22.5 cm – W. 40.5 cm – D. 22.5 cm
(Small chips and minor marble restoration)
📌 “Antique Green” or “Egyptian Green” is a rare serpentine breccia highly prized since antiquity.
The marble used in this piece is comparable to that of ancient Roman columns unearthed in 1766, later transformed into candelabra by Pierre Gouthière for the Duke of Aumont (Louvre Museum, MR1191).
