An exceptionally ornate brass fire screen conceived in the Louis XVI taste, combining practical function with high decorative ambition. Designed as both a protective hearth accessory and a sculptural statement, the screen displays finely cast and chased openwork ornament throughout, creating a light yet visually intricate silhouette.
The architectural superstructure is crowned by a flaming finial rising from a lobed urn, centred above an intricately pierced cresting of scrolling acanthus and laurel ornament. The openwork frame is richly composed, with foliate scrolls and classical detailing lending rhythm and refinement.
The central oval cartouche encloses a tightly woven wire mesh spark guard, overlaid with an applied trophy motif comprising a ribbon-tied quiver of arrows, torch, and sheathed blade entwined with berried laurel branches and tasselled cords. The crisp modelling of the applied ornament stands in pronounced relief against the darker mesh ground, producing depth and contrast while reinforcing the neoclassical character.
At the upper sides, classically styled female busts with carefully rendered coiffures terminate the outward scrolling arms, introducing an allegorical presence. Beneath them, winged mythological beasts reminiscent of griffins emerge amid dense acanthus scrollwork, adding movement and sculptural vitality. The lower frieze centres a shield-form cartouche framed by bead-and-reel and foliate detail, with additional pierced ornament descending in a balanced pendant arrangement.
The screen stands on four elegant cabriole legs enriched with acanthus carving and terminating in paw feet, ensuring stability while maintaining stylistic continuity with the upper ornament.
A richly decorative and highly sculptural hearth accessory, equally effective as a statement piece in a classical interior.
• Louis XVI taste pierced brass fire screen
• Flaming finial above lobed urn crest
• Openwork acanthus and laurel scroll ornament
• Central oval mesh spark guard
• Applied classical trophy motif
• Female bust terminals to upper arms
• Winged mythological beasts within scrollwork
• Shield-form lower cartouche with bead-and-reel detail
• Cabriole legs with acanthus carving and paw feet
• Substantial and finely cast construction
• Height: 30 inches
• Width: 29 inches
• Depth: 9.5 inches