Pair of firedogs (chenets) 1767 - 1777

These gilded bronze firedogs, made by Quentin-Claude Pitoin in the 1700s, are an example of the decorative arts at its finest. Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin; the method of casting bronze involves creating a mold, often using the lost-wax process, which is then filled with molten metal. After cooling, the mold is removed to reveal the cast object. Here, the bronze has been gilded, coated with a thin layer of gold, enhancing its visual appeal and value. The firedogs are not only functional, intended to hold logs in a fireplace, but also highly ornamental. Note the figures of a boar and a goat, emblems of hunting, themes popular among the aristocracy. The labor involved in the production of bronze objects was immense, requiring skilled artisans, metalworkers, and casters, representing a significant investment of time and resources. These luxurious firedogs reflect the opulent tastes of the French elite, blurring the lines between craft, design, and high art.