Fire screen 1904 - 1914

This fire screen was crafted by Gustave Serrurier-Bovy, and its structure immediately captures our attention. It has three panels made of warm copper, secured by a slender iron frame. The design features embossed floral motifs set within curved panels, creating an intimate domestic atmosphere. The screen’s formal composition is guided by the principles of Art Nouveau. The structure is divided into distinct sections, each containing stylized floral elements. These forms are not simply decorative; they express the Art Nouveau ethos of integrating art into everyday life, transforming functional objects into aesthetic experiences. Through its design, the fire screen serves as a semiotic system. The floral emblems, rendered in metal, refer to nature but are stylized to fit the industrial aesthetic. This screen invites us to consider how design can negotiate the relationship between the natural and the artificial, crafting spaces that are both beautiful and functional.