Decorative ornament - Fire Screen with Gilt Floral Cast Iron Base

Hand-Painted Metal Fire Screen with Gilt Floral Cast Iron Base, circa 1900 – H100 × W50 cm

Manufacturer and origin
European production, most likely France or Belgium, reflecting late 19th to early 20th century decorative metalwork traditions.

Date
Circa 1900.

Style and use
Decorative fireplace screen combining a curved painted metal panel with cast iron supports. The dark ground is enhanced by hand-painted floral decoration and restrained gilt detailing. Intended for placement in front of a fireplace to shield sparks while serving as an ornamental focal point in the interior.

Current condition
Height 100 cm, width 50 cm.
Overall structurally stable. The painted surface shows age-related wear, scratches, and areas of paint loss consistent with prolonged use. Minor abrasions along the edges and visible patina on the cast iron base. Gilt elements on the legs and upper ornament remain legible, with partial wear. No structural breaks observed.

Value justification
Original painted metal fire screens with cast iron floral bases are increasingly less common on the market, particularly in complete and stable condition. The combination of curved sheet metal, hand-applied floral decoration, and sculptural cast iron legs with gilt highlights reflects quality workshop production rather than mass industrial output. The intact proportions and preserved decorative scheme support both decorative and collector value.

Historical context
Around 1900, fireplace accessories were conceived as integral components of interior decoration. In France and Belgium, workshops produced metal fire screens that blended functional protection with ornamental design, often incorporating floral forms and gilded accents characteristic of the transition from late 19th-century decorative arts to early Art Nouveau influences.

Preservation
Original painted surface and cast iron structure preserved. Natural patina present. No later overpainting detected in visible areas.