Pair of gilded bronze fireplace andirons, France early 19th century

Pair of gilded bronze fireplace andirons, France, early 19th century Measurements: H 37 x W 38 x D 12.5 cm Price: confidential negotiation Object accompanied by a certificate of authenticity This fine pair of andirons was made in France in the early 19th century. The andirons are made of finely chiseled and gilded bronze and feature ornaments and decorations characteristic of the Louis XVI period. Volutes and spirals, pine cones and draperies of distinct classical taste can be observed, contrasting with a blue enamel background that intensifies their luminosity and depth. At the center is the head of the goddess Ceres, Mother Earth, who in classical iconography is depicted with her head crowned with ears of wheat, bunches of grapes and laurel branches. Ceres or Demeter in Greek, sister of Zeus, in Greek mythology is the goddess of fertility, patron deity of harvests, protector of agriculture and wheat, constant nurturer of youth and green earth, creator of the cycle of seasons, life and death, protector of marriage and sacred laws. Laurel is an evergreen plant, a characteristic that gives the plant the symbol of immortality and if used next to other symbols, as an iconic adjective, it becomes the meaning of eternal and imperishable. Above the central horizontal body, there is a tripod element, with a goat's paw, on whose circumference are inserted three goat heads with long horns from which flowery garlands depart and on the top, in the center, an important flame that clearly refers to the fire of the fireplace. Here too, the detail of a band decorated with blue enamel helps to create chromatic contrast and luminosity to the whole. Andirons were used to help the fire burn better by raising it. The primary purpose of andirons is therefore to raise the fire, 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 onwards 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 aeration of wood, to prevent wood from slipping out of the fire and to decorate the fireplace. This beautiful pair of andirons can also be displayed as a decorative object next to or above a modern fireplace or as a refined and elegant ornament.