Fireplace
Artist: Hector Guimard (French, 1867-1942)
Date: 1902-1903
Dimensions:
Max H: 36 3/4 in. (93.35 cm); Max L: 45 3/4 in. (160.20 cm); Max D: 13 15/16 in. (35.40 cm)
Medium: Carved pearwood, bronze (cire perdue)
Classification: Furniture
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Florence Scott Libbey Bequest in Memory of her Father, Maurice A. Scott
Object number: 1988.62
Label Text:In Paris, the sweeping curves and natural forms of Hector Guimard’s Art Nouveau designs are seemingly everywhere, especially on his famous cast iron subway entrances for the Paris Metro (see one in the Museum’s Sculpture Garden). But in addition to his projects for public spaces, he also designed houses, along with all of the furnishings and decorations.
This fireplace came from Castel Val, the house Guimard designed for Louis Chanu, a maritime insurance broker, in Auvers-sur-Oise outside Paris (see illustration). It was later removed when a subsequent owner renovated the interior. The whiplash lines, stylized flowers, and organic curves of the fireplace create a powerful expression of the sensuous Art Nouveau style. Guimard used warm, delicately carved pearwood to contrast with the dark, boldly cast bronze of the firebox insert. The wrought iron louvered screen could be raised with the elegant bronze lever when the fireplace was in use.
This fireplace came from Castel Val, the house Guimard designed for Louis Chanu, a maritime insurance broker, in Auvers-sur-Oise outside Paris (see illustration). It was later removed when a subsequent owner renovated the interior. The whiplash lines, stylized flowers, and organic curves of the fireplace create a powerful expression of the sensuous Art Nouveau style. Guimard used warm, delicately carved pearwood to contrast with the dark, boldly cast bronze of the firebox insert. The wrought iron louvered screen could be raised with the elegant bronze lever when the fireplace was in use.
On view
In Collection(s)