French 19th Century Gilt and Patinated Bronze Fire Place Fender

Object Description

A 19th century Louis XIV style patinated and gilt-bronze adjustable fireplace fender, the ends mounted with tall (18.5 inches) finial mounted chenets depicting harpies in the manner of André-Charles Boulle (1642-1732), the frieze with a guilloche cast decoration and a central patinated acanthus leave ornament. Boulle’s work owes much of its inspiration to Jean Berain’s designs (1640 -1711). The “Berainesque” style of playful grotesques was an essential element in the style Régence that led to the French rococo. A style that came into fashion again in the middle of the 19th century.
Adjustable length between 95cm and 120 cm (37.4 inches to 42.2 inches).

Object Literature

Ottomeier/Pröschel: Vergoldete Bronzen, Volume I, p. 68, fig. 1.10.3

Object Condition

Good, wear consistent with age and use, minor fading – detailed condition report on request

Object Details