Object Description
A Fine and Interesting Pair of Late 19th Century Gothic Revival Ormolu Andirons or Fire Dogs
These exceptional andirons are likely French and date to around 1880. Produced in the Gothic taste, they feature an abundance of finely cast and chased detailing and are of rare design. The feet are conceived as intricate Gothic tracery, with wonderfully observed monks’ heads in their cowls nestled between them. The stems take the form of columns adorned with additional tracery, the chasing here being particularly fine, while the capitals feature fruiting flowers—an unusual motif for Gothic pieces, which are typically more austere. The tops are crowned with finials of a modified cruciform shape. As expected, the andirons have fittings on the reverse to support a set of fine fire tools.
Footnote: Originally conceived as the earliest form of fire baskets—where logs were laid directly on them in early fireplaces—andirons or fire dogs gradually evolved into more decorative, large-scale objects, often used to support and display fire tools on either side of a basket grate. Their substantial size made them ideal canvases for leading designers and architects, with surviving examples ranging from simple wrought-iron pieces crafted by estate blacksmiths to elaborate ormolu masterpieces produced in prestigious city workshops.
Our pair firmly belongs to the latter category. The exceptional quality of the casting and chasing strongly suggests a French origin, and the overall design evokes the distinctive architectural spirit of Notre-Dame.