Offered by Galerie Gilles Linossier
A rare pair of andirons by Pierre Gouthiere, in patinated and gilt bronze, depicting reclining dromedaries on rectangular bases finely adorned with openwork friezes of pearls, scrolls, and acanthus leaves. The architectural decoration of the bases, composed of arabesques and delicately executed plant motifs, reflects the ornamental vocabulary characteristic of the Louis XVI period. The beaded molding encircling the entire base is also present.
The elegance of the composition rests particularly on the refined naturalism of the animals. The dromedaries, crafted with great finesse, reflect the Orientalist style so popular during the reign of Louis XVI. Our pair is identical to the one made for Marie Antoinette's apartments at the Château de Fontainebleau, around 1777, by Pierre Gouthiere and now in the Louvre.
Equally fine and refined, with high-quality chasing and sculpting, this pair is distinguished by its use of two-tone bronze. While the Louvre pair is entirely made of gilt bronze, ours is distinguished by its gilt and patinated bronze. This contrast between brown and gold allows one to appreciate the exceptional craftsmanship of the dromedaries all the more. They are adorned with a halter and collar (one with a bell) in gilt bronze with harmonious geometric patterns. The bell is missing from the one in the Louvre. However, a hole, likely indicating an earlier bell similar to ours, can be seen on the left-hand dromedary.
Our pair, with its quality of workmanship, the realism of the animals, and the meticulous execution, is undoubtedly by Pierre Gouthière.
Pierre Gouthière (1732-1813), a bronze sculptor and gilder during the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI, whose works are among the most emblematic examples of French ornamental bronze.
Dimensions: H 33 x W 25 x D 11
