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Western Europe, probably German or French, Gothic Period, ca. 14th century CE. A fine set of Gothic wrought-iron andirons meant to be used and displayed in a grand fireplace. The andirons are supported by a pair of curved feet, with a thick tang projecting upwards from the raised midsection, and small piercings on each terminal for securing to the floor. The horizontal support bar rests atop the feet via small mounting holes, and forked terminals off either end are reminiscent of abstract serpentine heads with open mouths. Two vertical poles are decorated with dense etched motifs and extend up from secondary piercings on the base. A singular openwork cup is pinned to the top of the main pole, and curved arms extending from each pole bear a separate cup. Andirons like this served a decorative yet functional purpose by elevating logs and other combustible fireplace components off the floor, thereby allowing for greater oxygen flow and therefore a larger, hotter fire. Size: 60″ W x 46.75″ H (152.4 cm x 118.7 cm).
Condition: Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age and use, slight bending to some cup components, vertical arms, and horizontal base, small fractures to some lower cup bands around pinned sections, expected loosening to conjoined components, fading to some areas of etching, and minor nicks to feet, base, arms, and cups. Nice earthen deposits and oxidized patina throughout.
Provenance: private Los Angeles County, California, USA collection, acquired by descent from the owner’s father, collection amassed between 1950-1990
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