Pair Of Large "faun" Andirons, St. Louis XVI Style, Gilded Bronze—19th Century

A pair of large 19th-century Louis XVI-style fireplace andirons, crafted from chiseled and gilded bronze of fine workmanship.
​These fireplace andirons are distinguished by the richness and delicacy of their neoclassical decoration. Each andiron consists of:
​A large fire pot (or covered vase) with a flamed top, adorned with two sturdy handles decorated with faun-head mascarons and cascading laurel garlands. The vase rests on a twisted and fluted column shaft.
​A horizontal crossbar adorned in the center with a medallion depicting Athena’s gladiator helmet (topped with a sphinx), framed by two winged cherubs playing among acanthus scrolls and rosettes. The reverse side of the crossbar is decorated with an openwork geometric frieze.
​The end of the crossbar is topped by a beautiful finial in the shape of a stylized pinecone, resting on a small fluted shaft.
​The bronze features a very beautiful, luminous original gilding with an antique patina that highlights the quality of the chiseling (some normal signs of wear due to age are visible in the photos).
​Foundry Marks:
A cold-stamped mark is present beneath the base: the letters “B & C” above the number “37.”
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Very good overall condition for an object of this era. The engraving remains very sharp. The structure is solid.

​Given their size and the quality of their mythological and military motifs, these andirons will serve as a centerpiece to adorn a prestigious fireplace.