Offered by Galerie Gilles Linossier
A large pair of Regency period gilt bronze firedogs decorated with allegories of the Rhône and Saône.
Each firedog depicts a river god lying on a bed of rocks, reeds, and stylized waves. Through this personification and their position, they represent power but also tranquility.
The figures depicted on this pair of firedogs are directly inspired by the ancient tradition of the potamoi – male river deities personifying rivers, streams, and other waterways.
Often depicted as powerful, shirtless, semi-reclining men, they were often accompanied by aquatic attributes: marine animals, water fountains, or reeds, as is the case in our pair. Idealized according to the canons of the Ancient era, they are richly modeled: one is bearded and mature, representing the Rhône, a fiery and impetuous river. The other, calmer and more sinuous, embodies the Saône. These personifications symbolize a poetic interpretation of both the richness of waterways, the inclement weather and unpredictability that result from them, and the vital force of nature.
18th-century European art also widely adopted this motif for artistic purposes, as presented by Boucher in his study paintings of River Gods, including the Rhône.
Or
as can be found in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles, through the personifications of the rivers by Jean-Baptiste Tuby (1629-1700).
In our pair, the Saône and the Rhône, two major rivers of France, are represented according to these same relatively classic iconographic codes: Both bearded and almost naked, resting on restless bases with rocaille lines.
The Rhône, however, is depicted as older, with a hard face and firmly holding the rock, while the Saône, more peaceful, is shown with calm features, her arm resting delicately at her side.
A very fine work from the Regency period in gilt bronze.
Beautiful carving and original gilding.
Dimensions: H 36 cm x W 41 cm x D 17 cm
