Pair of andirons
Unknown Artist
late 18th century
Medium
Brass, iron
Dimensions
Height (each): 22 1/2 in. (57.2 cm)
Classification
Metalwork-Brass
Culture
British
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Mrs. Maria P. James, 1911
Accession Number
11.60.128a, b
Art Historical Context
This elegant pair of andirons, crafted in Britain during the late 18th century, exemplifies the refined metalwork of the Georgian era. Standing at 22½ inches tall, these sturdy supports were essential for fireplaces, holding logs in place while elevating them for better airflow and heat distribution. In grand homes and cozy parlors alike, fireplaces served as the heart of domestic life, and andirons like these transformed a functional necessity into a statement of taste and prosperity. Forged from brass and iron, the andirons highlight the era's masterful metalworking techniques. Brass provid...