Model for a bronze mount (chariot scene), c. 1808, Pierre-Philippe Thomire, French, 1751-1843, 13 11/16 x 23 7/8 in. (34.77 x 60.64 cm) (sight)16 x 26 in. (40.64 x 66.04 cm) (outer frame), Wax on slate, France, 19th century, Trained as a sculptor by French masters Pajou and Houdin, Thomire became a master in his own right, specializing in ornamental bronze work. This Neoclassical chariot scene, which may have been inspired by the Parthenon Mables, is a wax model for a gilt bronze mount. When cast, the mount would have been applied to decorate a piece of case furniture. It is rare for such a wax model to survive, and even more so for it to be signed by the designer (lower right corner.)