Pair of antique embroidered carved giltwood fire screens

18114: Pair of antique embroidered carved giltwood fire screens
French, Late 19th Century
Height 114cm, width 42cm, depth 37cm

Originating in France during the late 1800s, these exquisite fire screens reflect a time when decorative arts celebrated fine craftsmanship and sumptuous materials.
Fire screens were a staple of French interiors, serving both practical and ornamental purposes. Many were embellished with intricate needlework, offering protection from the heat of the fire while also displaying delicate petit-point designs. Needlework was a popular pursuit among women, who took pride in creating refined, detailed pieces that showcased their skill and taste within the home.
This pair presents gracefully arched giltwood frames, elaborately carved and enclosing petit-point needlework panels with silk backings. Each panel depicts a classical scene, featuring figures seated beneath trees in quiet contemplation, harmonizing with the elegant curves of the turned supports and scrolled feet. The combination of ornate carving and meticulous embroidery exemplifies the era’s devotion to artistry and proportion.
These screens are not only decorative objects but also evocative historical pieces, embodying the sophistication and elegance of 19th-century French interior design.
$ 14,250