During the mid-1700s to early 1800s, the Neoclassical movement was prevalent in French furniture and art. Rectilinear forms and ornamentation inspired by ancient civilizations were frequently incorporated into pieces from Louis XVI through the Empire periods. A stunning example of the Neoclassical style can be seen in this French chimney bar from the 1800s. Measuring 67 ¾ inches wide, the oversized chimney bar (also referred to as a bar de cheminee or fire fender) provides ample protection, ensuring loose logs do not spill into the room.

Two silvered sphinxes with ornate usekh (a broad collar used in ancient Egypt) are depicted in recumbent positions at the ends of the bar. As is the case with most Egyptian sphinxes, the mythical creatures have the body of a lion with the face of a woman, in this case, a glamorous women with braided hair and a fluted tiara. Beneath each sphinx is an ebonized plinth with golden foliate molding. The thin plinths are encircled by bundled laurel leaf husks that continue along the transom, which is topped by a two-tiered dore cross bar. Multiple rows of beading adorn both bars, which terminate in different style ends. The thicker bottom bar has ovate ends embellished with linked circles, while the top bar has toupie ends. A series of balusters form connectors between the transom and the two bars, with the upper bar having two spherical finials. Our 19th-century Neoclassical chimney bar is a beautiful and functional accessory that will instantly accentuate any fireplace.

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Commensurate build-up from being used in a fireplace. Minor rubs. Old restoration to one of the sphinxes.