Set of Louis XVI Style Bronze Chenets

Cherubs representing the gods Cupid and Mercury, indicated by their respective bow and winged helmet, sit atop this charming pair of French chenets, or fireplace andirons. Crafted of stunning doré and patinated bronze, these figures display a delightful neoclassical elegance characteristic of Louis XVI design. Chenets were a staple of any well-appointed home, serving as both decorative and useful objects. They were placed in front of a fireplace to protect priceless rugs and flooring from rolling logs...

This pair of brightly silvered bronze chenets are from France (circa 1900), in the style of Louis XVI, as noted by the presence of laurel leaf festoons and pots au feu finials. They were used in well-appointed homes, not only to decorate the front of the fireplace, but to prevent burning logs from rolling onto priceless rugs, should they break free of the fire. Often seen in natural wrought iron, or gilded in gold (in finer homes), it is unusual to see them in silvered bronze. Each finial has two pots au feu of different sizes and orientation adorned with a laurel swag. The larger fire pot...