Inspired by an 18th century limestone sculpture that guards the entrance of Chateau de Chantilly in France, this pair of gilt bronze chenets are in the form of a sphinx, which is the face of a woman with the body of a lion. Our chenets would have been used to embellish a fireplace in a French chateau beginning in the 1800s.

Both sphinxes have been positioned in the same recumbent pose, with the front paws on a scrolled console adorned with a scalloped shell and a cabochon cartouche. There are subtle motif differences, such as the cape that envelops the bodies and the tiara and trains that support the bun hairdos are not identical.

These elegant gilt bronze French chenets stand over 15 1/2 inches high and will look stunning in any fireplace. They can also be used as decorative accessories or converted into lamps.

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Minor buildup and light verdigris, both commensurate with age and use.