Offered by Gregory Redding
REQUEST INFORMATION
A very fine pair of French figural chenets (fireplace andirons) in patinated and gilt bronze. Each chenet is surmounted by a seated putto playfully hiding beneath a large, draped veil. A charming cache-cache (peek-a-boo) motif characteristic of French decorative arts in the late Ancien Régime period.
Paris date circa 1775-1780.
The figures are of exceptional quality, finely chased with expressive faces and beautifully rendered drapery. They rest on elegant Louis XVI-style ormolu bases decorated with laurel garland friezes, beaded borders, fluted pilasters, oval cartouches, and turned bun feet. The hollow-cast construction with iron armature is consistent with authentic Parisian bronze foundry work of the period.
No founder's stamp is present. Common for high-quality workshop bronzes of the 18th century. Comparable models are attributed to the circle of Parisian sculptor and bronzier Jean-Louis Prieur the Elder (1732–1795); a related example is held at the Petit Trianon, Versailles.
