Object Description
This is a superb and very decorative French Empire revival ormolu and mesh fire-screen, circa 1860 in date.
The rectangular-shaped screen features an acanthus crest handle and the centre is mounted with classical trophies, garlands, and scrolling ornamentation with flaming torches. There are small trophies to each corners and the screen is raised on decorative out-swept feet.
Add a lovely French focal point to you home with this lovely fire screen
Condition:
In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 74 cm x Width 71 cm x Depth 29.5 cm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 foot, 5 inches x Width 2 foot, 4 inches x Depth 1 foot
Ormolu – Gilt Bronze (from French ‘or moulu’, signifying ground or pounded gold) is an 18th-century English term for applying finely ground, high-carat gold in a mercury amalgam to an object of bronze.The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold-coloured veneer known as ‘gilt bronze’.
The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process known as mercury-gilding or fire-gilding, in which a solution of nitrate of mercury is applied to a piece of copper, brass, or bronze, followed by the application of an amalgam of gold and mercury. The item was then exposed to extreme heat until the mercury burned off and the gold remained, adhered to the metal object.
After around 1830 because legislation had outlawed the use of mercury other techniques were used instead. Electroplating is the most common modern technique. Ormolu techniques are essentially the same as those used on silver, to produce silver-gilt..
Our reference: A5161