Fireplace

Artist Hector Guimard (French, 1867-1942)

Place of OriginFrance

Date1902-1903

DimensionsMax 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)

MediumCarved pearwood, bronze (cire perdue)

ClassificationFurniture

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Florence Scott Libbey Bequest in Memory of her Father, Maurice A. Scott

Object number

1988.62

Not on View

Label TextIn 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.Exhibition HistoryMusee d'Orsay, Paris, France. 1992.

National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. 2000-01.