Pair of gilded bronze fireplace andirons, France late 18th century Measurements H 45 x W 46 x D 16 cm Price between 4,000.00-5,000.00 € Object accompanied by a certificate of authenticity This fine pair of andirons was made around the late 18th century in France. The andirons are made of finely chased and gilded bronze and feature ornaments and decorations characteristic of the Louis XVI era. They consist of a semi-circular balustrade element, culminating with a large circular base with leonine heads and refined draping on which rests an imposing vase with lid culminating in a pine cone and handles decorated with ram's heads. Large garlands of flowers and ribbons adorn the composition. On the opposite side, in a smaller size, there are two vase elements with a flame that clearly refers to the fireplace fire. Andirons were used to help the fire burn better by raising it. The primary purpose of andirons is therefore to raise the fire, so that air can reach it from all sides to make it burn better. While until the 17th century they were mostly made of iron, from this period they were made of bronze and brass, materials that at the time were expensive and difficult to obtain. Even today they can be used to improve the ventilation of the wood, to prevent the wood from slipping out of the fire and to decorate the fireplace. This beautiful pair of andirons, characterized by a very refined and elegant chisel, can also be displayed as a decorative object even above a modern fireplace or as a decorative object.