Rare And Important Model Of A Gilt Bronze Firescreen
One of the most extraordinary models of a Firescreen in the 19th Century manufactured in Bronze Doré.
Adorned with very finely chiseled espagnolettes, especially the elegant physiognomy of the female figures and their finely elaborated hairstyle. Foliate decoration throughout, centered by the attributes of love — a pair of doves, quiver with arrows and a harp, surrounded by flower garlands and crowned by a ribbon. Shell motif on the lower part.
Signed B & C
A similar model by Léon Messagé was exhibited at the World Exhibition in Paris 1900.
The headquarters of the important manufactory Maison Bouhon Frères (formerly Maison Clavier and later Bouhon et Cie until 1898), was located in the Marais in Paris. The brothers Thomas and Joseph Bouhon were extremely successful with their finely chased and fire-gilded bronze work, especially with fireplace accessories, which were a novelty in this high quality. They exhibited at the World’s Fairs 1878 and 1900 and received the gold medal of the international jury.
François Linke (1855−1946) was the most prominent French furniture manufacturer known for renewing the Louis XV and the Regency style. He opened his shop in Paris in 1881 and had a big breakthrough with his lavish furniture at the 1900 World’s Fair. Royal families and several personalities were amongst his international clientele. He regularly collaborated with Bouhon Frères/Bouhon et Cie.
