Rare Gilded Bronze Ormolu Chenets 19th C Putti “Allegory Of Winter” 12 Inch Wide For Sale

These are a lovely pair of 19th-century French gilt bronze chenets known as Les Amours Frileux—the chilly little loves. Two small putti, each wrapped snugly in a cloak, sit on their bases with hands held out toward the imagined warmth of the fire. It’s a quiet, tender allegory of winter, full of charm rather than grandeur.The model goes back to the Louis XVI period, with earlier versions linked to designs by Jean-François Forti and the bronzier Jean-Noël Turpin. Related pieces even appeared among the fireplace furnishings connected to Marie-Antoinette’s interiors at Versailles.This pair is beautifully gilded and has particularly attractive figures, with finely modeled faces and natural poses. The architectural bases are decorated with beaded borders and classical ornament, giving the pair a very elegant Louis XVI character.These are rare and highly decorative fireplace chenets, and pairs of this type are not something one comes across frequently.Dimensions: Each measures approximately 12 inches high × 12 inches wide.Condition: Excellent condition, with the gilding exceptionally well preserved. Please
Inspect all the images thoroughly as they are a big part of the description.Comparable 19th-century French gilt bronze chenets of this type are currently offered in the $4,500–$6,000 range and above. This pair is being offered at a very reasonable price in relation to comparable examples on the market.# Keywords French gilt bronze, French bronze, gilt bronze, ormolu, French ormolu, 19th century, 19th-century French, 18th century style, Louis XVI style, Louis XVI, neoclassical, classical bronze, fireplace chenets, chenets, fire dogs, fireplace ornaments, antique fireplace, antique bronze, French antique, French decorative arts, putti, cherubs, bronze figures, gilt metal, French fire dogs, antique chenets.