Italian, Venice, 17th century or later, In Renaissance Style

Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.;

New York, Sotheby's, 22 June 1989, lot 92;

Where acquired.

Elaborate, highly decorated bronze andirons became popular décor in 16^th and 17^th century European aristocratic homes, particularly in Venice. Their production flourished there due to an abundance of foundries and craftsmen.

The present pair of andirons depict the Greek god of wine, Bacchus, and the goddess of love, Aphrodite. A young satyr leans against Bacchus, who is adorned with grape vines and holds a basket of fruit. Aphrodite is accompanied by a dolphin, wrapped around her feet, while she holds a jug of water. Both figures are placed atop intricate bases, cast with grotesque masks and putti, and supported by two beasts, half-lion and half-dragon.

An identical pair of andirons, given to the circle of Alessandro Vittoria by Leo Planiscig, were recorded to be in the Estensische Kunstsammlung in 1921.¹

¹ L. Planiscig, Venezianische Bildhauer der Renaissance, Vienna 1921, p. 492, figs. 524 and 525.