A pair of patinated and gilt bronze andirons depicting a soldier and a beggar. One shows a soldier wearing a Macedonian helmet with a sphinx-shaped crest, a breastplate that clings to his form, and holding a shield. The other shows a naked man wearing a lion skin, a knitted cap, and slave armbands. They sit on four fluted, cabriole legs atop a base with a frieze of coiled ribbons. Facing each other, they hold a chain that binds them.
This object could evoke the story of Alexander the Great and the philosopher Diogenes. The philosopher's armbands symbolize his time in servitude, while his animal skin represents the wild nature of this historical figure who refused to integrate into society. In 336 BC, Alexander, King of Macedon, told Diogenes, "Ask me for whatever you want, and I will give it to you," to which Diogenes replied, "Get out of my sunlight." The depiction of the two figures as fire dogs plays on the fact that fire represents the sun. This taste for ancient themes was particularly prevalent in the 19th century, a time when archaeological excavations were increasing.
Circa: 1880
Condition report: In good overall condition. Some scratches on the soldier's right forearm. Bronze restoration on the soldier's thigh and foot.
Delivery
Europe: €200
US/Canada/HK: €350
Rest of the world: Price upon request
- Reference :
- 3237
- Width :
- 41 (cm)
- Height :
- 48 (cm)
- Depth :
- 26 (cm)
- Era:
- 19th century
- Materials:
- bronze
