Design for andiron
1800â1825
Medium
metalwork
Classification
metalwork
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1931-64-161
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This elegant *Design for Andiron* from the Lefebvre Manufactory in Tai, Belgium (ca. 1800–1825), offers a glimpse into early th-century metalwork craftsmanship. Andirons, or fire dogs, were essential hearth accessories in grand homes, propping logs while serving as decorative focal points. Crafted during the Napoleonic era's transition to Romanticism, this design reflects Tournai's reputation for fine metal production, blending functionality with ornate detailing suited to Neoclassical interiors. The Lefebvre Manufactory specialized in high-quality metal objects, exporting to elite markets ac...