Pair Of Bronze Andirons With Double Patina, Chilling Putti, France, 19th Century, Napoleonic Period

A rare and elegant pair of finely chased bronze andirons with a double patina – brown for the figures and mercury gilt for the bases – depicting two shivering putti seated by the fire. Each child, with their fleshy and expressive features, is portrayed in a perfectly natural pose: one holds his cloak while the other draws his hand closer to the hearth, accurately and sensitively conveying the sensation of cold. The faces, with their full cheeks and delicate features, demonstrate a particularly lively and masterful execution. These figures, both tender and decorative, belong to the tradition of antique children inherited from the 18th century, revisited with the naturalism and sensuality characteristic of the 19th century. The putti rest on richly decorated Louis XVI style gilt bronze bases, finely adorned with beaded friezes, laurel wreaths, fluting, foliate rosettes, and neoclassical motifs. The quality of the chasing and the beautiful preservation of the original gilding, displaying a subtle contrast between matte and burnished, enhance the overall elegance. Through their quality of execution, decorative refinement, and balanced pairing, these andirons can be compared to the productions of the great Parisian houses of the 19th century, such as Barbedienne or Susse Frères, in the spirit of Carrier-Belleuse's designs. A very fine decorative pair, both sculptural and functional, intended for a high-quality fireplace. France, circa 1850–1870. Bronze with brown patina and mercury-gilt bronze. Height: 35 cm. Width: 29.5 cm. Depth: 16.5 cm. Excellent original condition. A comparable pair was offered on the American market (Aventura, USA), with an estimate of $15,000–25,000.