Musical trophies were popular motifs for art and furniture during the reign of Louis XVI, as this period coincided with the discoveries of Pompeii and Herculaneum, resulting in increased inspiration from ancient cultures such as Greece and Rome. This beautiful French bronze firescreen has a central musical trophy, indicative of Louis XVI-style furniture from the 1800s.

The asymmetrical trophy depicts a few musical instruments accompanied by a quiver of arrows, flowers, branches, and a crinkle ribbon. Additional crinkle ribbons can be seen on each of the canted corners of the rectangular screen. Other classically inspired motifs include bundled fasces of olive branches, pot feu, husked wreaths, fluting, and Vitruvian waves. A foliate and floral crest rises at the top of the screen, consisting of a flowering wreath tied by a crinkled ribbon to two olive branches. Both of the curvaceous legs are embellished with a leafy husk, before splaying out, forming a total of four hoof feet. Our Louis XVI-style bronze firescreen would make a visually stunning addition to any fireplace.

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Light verdigris to bronze. Commensurate buildup to the screen area. Minor movement to some elements, such as the crest and legs.