18th C. Louis XVI Patinated & Gilt Bronze Sphinx Motif Andirons/Chenets - a Pair

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Stunning Pair 18th C Louis XVI French Bronze Recumbent Sphinx Chenets
France, circa 1790
A stunning pair of 18th-century Louis … Read more Stunning Pair 18th C Louis XVI French Bronze Recumbent Sphinx Chenets
France, circa 1790
A stunning pair of 18th-century Louis XVI French bronze chenets featuring recumbent sphinxes, circa 1790. Each chenet stands 12.5 inches high, 9 inches wide, and 6 inches deep, showcasing exceptional workmanship. The neoclassical sphinxes display graceful female profiles atop powerful lion bodies adorned with pawed feet and intricate medallions. They rest upon an architecturally inspired trellis pedestal base, further embellished with a medallion and lion head decoration.

These chenets are a unique and exquisite example of French neoclassical design, echoing models from the 1780s. Comparable pieces, attributed to master craftsmen Pierre Gouthière or Pierre-Philippe Thomire, can be found in prestigious collections such as the Louvre, Versailles, and the Cleveland Museum of Art. The design of these chesnets is based on a drawing by the renowned architect François-Joseph Bélanger, found in the Bibliothèque Nationale. This pair is in excellent condition, ready to be displayed and admired in any elegant setting. A rare and exceptional addition to any fine art collection.

Overall Measurements:
12.5 inches high, 9 inches wide, and 6 inches deep See less