A FINE PAIR OF LOUIS XVI GILT BRONZE FIREPLACE CHENETS
France, circa 1780

Gilt and patinated bronze, iron

16 1/2" high x 35 3/8" wide x 20" deep (41.9 x 89.9 x 50.8 cm)

A finely executed pair of Louis XVI period fireplace chenets in gilt bronze with partially ebonized elements. Each is surmounted by a classical urn with flaming finial, its scrolling handles formed from the horns that transition into foliage, these issuing from each of the brilliantly chiseled satyr masks on either side. The vasiform body of each vessel is adorned with floral garlands over pierced interlaced circles around the broadest point, this with an ebonized background in the recesses. The urns rest upon cylindrical plinths finely chased with spiral stop-fluting and bound laurel wreaths. Each chenet extends to a smaller fluted column surmounted by a pinecone finial, joined by a pierced gallery of interlocking circular motifs with applied floral rosettes.

Condition: Missing one applied rosette. Original gilding with age related wear and discoloration throughout. Minor surface blemishes.

ref. 601LSP21A