Andiron

Andiron The history of andirons, or firedogs, began in the Middle Ages, their prototype was a long rod of wrought iron with a hook for hanging a cauldron over a fire. In the 14th century, this bar was augmented by a shaft running deep into the hearth to support wooden logs, and from the 16th century on, a decorative function was added to the utilitarian function. The name “firedog” (in Poland the name “chimney wolf” was adopted) comes from English and French. The most common material used for firedogs was wrought iron, although in the late 17th century, silver and later bronze, often gilded, were common. The forms of the andirons changed with the current fashion and style, from very simple to very decorative. The andiron in question comes from the Potocki family collection, from the second half of the 18th century, presents the Louis XVI style and includes a decorative part, consisting of a vase connected to an elongated profiled beam ending in the figure of a seated griffin facing the hearth. The bar with the griffin rests on a base ending in a semicircle. The space between the beam and the base is filled with an openwork vine ornament with fruit. The top of the vase is decorated on one side with a garland of grapevine, the other side is plain. French manufacture, bronze. The andiron consists of a rectangular-shaped grate on four legs with additional decoration in the shape of rods ending in knobs. The decorative part in Louis XV style consisting of a stylised rocaille with acanthus leaves and a seated putto with a book held in the left hand, the right hand raised. The putto is almost naked, with softly flowing fabric draped only on the hips, and a wreath of laurel leaves on its head.