Pair of chiselled and gilded bronze andirons, France 19th century

Pair of chiselled and gilded bronze andirons, France 19th century Measurements: cm H 57 x W 21 x D 48 Price: between 2,800.00 and 3,800.00 Euro Object accompanied by certificate of authenticity This pair of particular andirons was made in France in the 19th century according to a Renaissance taste that was very fashionable at the time. Each andiron is in gilded bronze and finely chiselled, turned in several orders creating round fluted elements. On the top there is a head of a woman with several faces. The base, on the other hand, is tripartite and Renaissance masks with some reminiscences of African and Oceanic masks, which had recently arrived on the European continent, arousing interest and curiosity, are chiselled in bas-relief on both the corners and the sides. The andirons are equipped with a wrought iron support. Andirons were used in fireplaces to help the fire burn better, raising it from the base of the fireplace itself. The primary purpose of andirons is therefore to raise the fire and related wood, so that air can reach it from all sides to make it burn better. While until the 17th century they were mostly made of iron, from this period they were made of bronze and brass, materials that were expensive and difficult to find at the time. Even today they can be used to improve the ventilation of the flames, to prevent the wood from slipping out of the fire and, above all, to decorate the fireplace. This particular pair of andirons can also be displayed as a decorative object next to a modern fireplace or on top of the fireplace itself or even as a curious piece of furniture.