Hand-crafted in France, circa 1880, this gilt bronze firescreen is embellished with Louis XVI-style motifs. A very fine iron mesh is surrounded by a bronze frame set on two high arching legs adorned with imbricated disks, volute leaves, and a pair of monopodial paw feet. In the center of the latticework is a musical instrument trophy, above foliate branches and an olive wreath.

The roughly rectangular frame is topped by a scrolled transom festooned with looping crenellation. An arched top (flanked by canted corners) is partially covered by a wonderful cartouche of a quiver crossing a torch beneath an olive wreath, with all three elements bound by a sprawling olive rinceaux with a draping floral swag. Two arrow quiver finials rise at the edges, above an olive branch that curls around the sides, surmounting additional imbricated disks. The bottom has been chased with more crenellation, interrupted by a large, central foliate shield and a beautiful drapery swag traversing between the legs.

Firescreens became popular fireplace accessories in the 18th and 19th centuries, offering protection to household members from the heat and embers of a roaring fire. Their secondary function allowed them to be used during warmer months as a decorative element to the otherwise empty fireboxes. Our Louis XVI style firescreen can be utilized for the same purposes and paired with other antiques or more contemporary home furnishings.

CONDITION: Good antique condition with wear commensurate to age and use, including minor verdigris to bronze and buildup to the iron latticework. Some very minimal fading to gilded elements.