Items Similar to French Louis XV Period Ormolu Chenet w/ Children, Attb. Caffieri, 1700s
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 17
French Louis XV Period Ormolu Chenet w/ Children, Attb. Caffieri, 1700s
$55,000per set
£41,703.84per set
€48,167.46per set
CA$77,168.36per set
A$85,963.83per set
CHF 45,344.56per set
MX$1,042,338per set
NOK 576,848.25per set
SEK 537,370.68per set
DKK 359,685.15per set
About the Item
A pair of French Louis XV period ormolu chenets modeled as children, created in the mid-1700s by Jacques Caffieri, one of the most prominent bronziers and sculptors of 18th-century France. Caffieri was maître fondeur-ciseleur to the king and was renowned for producing elaborate fire-gilt bronze furnishings for royal and aristocratic interiors. These chenets, unsigned as is typical of his output, exhibit his hallmark modeling style and are consistent with documented examples held in institutions such as the Louvre, the Château de Versailles, and the Musée Nissim de Camondo. Their attribution is supported by their stylistic fidelity to known Caffieri designs and the quality of casting and gilding.
Each chenet takes the form of an asymmetrical scrolling support, surmounted by a seated child, modeled with individualized expressions and elaborate drapery. One figure holds a book while the other holds a sheaf or scroll, referencing allegorical themes popular in the decorative arts of the period. The bases feature pierced rocaille work with a diamond-matrix punched texture, bordered by smooth curves and acanthus scrolls, all rendered in relief and integrated seamlessly with the figural elements. The construction is unified by dramatic, flame-like volutes and organic motifs consistent with the Rococo idiom. The reverse of each chenet remains unfinished and hand-chiseled, showing no provision for later bolt-on elements, which supports a dating to the mid-18th century when chenet construction was integrally cast rather than modular.
These chenets are mercury-gilt bronze, a process wherein gold was amalgamated with mercury and then applied to the surface of the bronze before being fired to evaporate the mercury and leave a durable gilt layer. This method, now prohibited due to toxicity, was favored in the 1700s for its depth and brilliance, particularly prized by Caffieri and his workshop. The surface of these chenets retains a thick, lustrous gilding consistent with original mercury fire-gilding, visible in both the evenness of color and the areas of subtle wear revealing the underlying bronze. The overall form and elaborate ornamentation of these chenets are precisely aligned with the fully mature Louis XV style around 1750, defined by its asymmetry, organic dynamism, and ornate decoration. The open backs and unreinforced integral castings are crucial in securely dating these pieces to the period and affirm their authenticity as mid-18th century originals.
- Attributed to:Jacques Caffieri (Sculptor)
- Dimensions:Height: 15.25 in (38.74 cm)Width: 15.5 in (39.37 cm)Depth: 7 in (17.78 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Louis XV (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1750-1759
- Date of Manufacture:1750
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU919531699242
About the Seller
4.9
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 1820
1stDibs seller since 2011
193 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: New York, NY
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllA Large Pair of 19th C. Louis XVI Style Ormolu Chenets/Andirons
Located in New York, NY
A Large Pair of French 19th C. Louis XVI Style Ormolu Chenets/Andirons. Designed for use in a formal fireplace, each chenet comprises a prominent architectural front fitted with a ca...
Category
Antique 1870s French Louis XVI Andirons
Materials
Bronze
Pair 19 C. French Ormolu Four Arm Candelabra with Putti, After Pierre Gouthière
By Pierre Gouthiere
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of 19th Century French Ormolu Four Arm Candelabra/vases with Putti, After the Model by Pierre Gouthière, attributed to Henry Dasson.
Each candelabrum is of lidded vase form, f...
Category
Antique 1870s French Louis XVI Candelabras
Materials
Ormolu
Pair of Antique French Louis XVI Style Dore Bronze Lyre Form Andirons/Chennets
Located in New York, NY
A fabulous pair of antique Louis XVI style French dore bronze lyre form Andirons/Chennets. Each is exceptionally cast, hand-chased, and chiseled with great precision and quality. The...
Category
Antique 1860s French Louis XVI Andirons
Materials
Bronze
$7,560 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of Antique French Louis XVI Style Doré Bronze Fireplace Chenets
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of antique French Louis XVI style doré bronze chenets of exquisite workmanship embellished with neoclassical urns adorned with flames representing fire in original doré b...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis XIV Andirons
Materials
Ormolu
Marvelous Pair of 19th C. French Ormolu Four Arm Candelabras, Signed P. Canaux
By Paul Canaux and Company 1
Located in New York, NY
A Marvelous Pair of 19th century French Ormolu Four-Arm Candelabras, Signed Paul Canaux. Paul Canaux was an incredible jeweler and silversmith, and would produce his pieces in 30 rue des Francs-Bourgeois in Paris. He originally worked for the great silversmith and plater Joseph Mégemond. Following his career with Mégemond on August 9th, 1888 he placed his own hallmark. He was a made an array of products, which included silverware, cutlery, tea sets, centerpieces, candelabras as well as many other silver and gilt-bronze objects of the highest quality. His maker’s hallmark was struck in 1892 and they changed the name to "Paul Canaux et Cie". In the 5 Generations of our business, these are some of the greatest candelabras we have ever had the pleasure of adding to our collection.
This is truly an exceptional pair of candelabras. They were produced by P. Canaux, a master silversmith who made the most wonderful and outstanding pieces of silver and ormolu. These ormolu candelabras are no exception with a variety of hand-chased and hand-chiseled motifs which elevate these pieces to a different level of quality and craftsmanship. The top most finial of each candelabra is absolutely marvelous with a phoenix emerging from a cauldron of flames. Flanked on either end of each candelabra are two satyrs each holding up a candelabra arm with superior quality, each wrinkle in their faces and hair on their heads is visible. Between the candelabras is a basket of ormolu cast fruits, leaves, and vines. They are truly breathtaking and in high-relief against the main body of the candelabras. The other two candelabra arms are held up by Nereus, the Greek GD of the sea. He is known for his half-man, half-dolphin appearance with a majestic and highly detailed pair of angelic wings...
Category
Antique 1890s French Louis XVI Candelabras
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French Louid xvi Ormolu Candlesticks with Putti Masks and Garlands
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular pair of French Louis XVI ormolu candlesticks with Putti Masks and Garlands. The socket is very intricately sculpted with beading, acanthus leaves, and fluted bottom. Be...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Candlesticks
Materials
Bronze
You May Also Like
Pair of French 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Chenet with Children
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine and charming pair of French 19th century Louis XV style figural gilt and patinated bronze chenets, each surmounted with a seated patinated bronze putto holding on to a br...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Andirons
Materials
Bronze
Antique French Louis XVI Ormolu Andirons with Classical "Putti", Circa 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Louis XVI Ormolu Andirons with Classical "Putti", Circa 1880.
A charming pair of gold bronze andirons. One putti is holding a bow, the other a torch. The andirons ar...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Andirons
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of Figural Louis XV Style Cherub Motif Ormolu Bronze Andirons
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French 19th century figural cherub motif Louis XV style Ormolu bronze andirons.
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Andirons
Materials
Bronze
Pair of French 19th Century Louis XV St. Ormolu Andirons
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional true pair of French 19th century Louis XV st. ormolu andirons. Each elegant andiron is raised by a wonderfully executed ground and rock like base with a large most dec...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Andirons
Materials
Ormolu
Pair of French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Ormolu Andirons
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful and exceptional quality pair of French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu andirons. Each fire-gilded andiron is raised by most decorative fanciful scrolled supports with p...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Andirons
Materials
Ormolu
French 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze Chenets Andirons with Putti, Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine pair of French 19th century Louis XV style gilt-bronze mounted figural chenets. The ornately decorated andirons, each with a figure of a resting Putto (Children) holding a tor...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Andirons
Materials
Bronze
$6,450 Sale Price
48% Off
More Ways To Browse
1700S Antique
Antique Castings
Louvre Antique
Antique French Documents
1700s French
1700s Furniture French
French Fire Back
Antique Childrens Seats
Chateau De Versailles
Antique Chenets
French Chenet
Unfinished Antique Furniture
Fire King
Garden Of Versailles
Ormolu Chenets
Versailles Book
18th Century French Chenets
Bronze Figural Chenets