Pair Of Andirons With Lions In Finely Chased And Gilded Bronze, Attributed To Thomire And Boizot

An important and rare pair of finely chased and gilded bronze andirons, made in Paris at the end of the 18th century, during the Louis XVI period, attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire and Louis Simon Boizot, major figures in bronze work during the reign of Louis XVI. Each andiron is adorned with a reclining lion, rendered with great vigor and a remarkable sense of anatomy. The animal's quiet power, the precision of the details—mane, musculature, expression—as well as the quality of the chasing, reflect the excellence of Parisian production at the end of the Ancien Régime. The lions rest on richly decorated bases, emphasizing the monumental and decorative character of the whole. This model is fully in keeping with the neoclassical vocabulary of the Louis XVI period, drawing its inspiration from Antiquity, where the lion embodies strength, vigilance, and nobility. The exceptional quality of the casting, the fineness of the chasing and the richness of the gilding allow this pair to be compared to the finest productions delivered to aristocratic homes and grand Parisian residences at the end of the 18th century. Pierre-Philippe Thomire, one of the greatest bronze workers of his time, collaborated closely with the best sculptors, including Boizot, in order to produce furniture pieces of remarkable artistic quality. This pair of andirons perfectly illustrates the collaboration between sculpture and ornamental bronze, serving a prestigious decorative purpose. The set is in very good condition, with antique gilding displaying a beautiful patina and slight wear perfectly consistent with age and use. It should be noted, however, that one of the andirons is missing a gilt bronze foot, a missing element that does not detract from the decorative appeal, the sturdiness, or the overall quality of this rare pair. A pair of andirons of the highest caliber, rare for its quality, iconography, and attribution, destined for a discerning connoisseur or collector of 18th-century French bronze furnishings.