A PAIR OF ANDIRONS WITH MERCURY AND CUPID AS PUTTI - The Embden Collection Louis XVI, France, second half of the 18th century. Gilt bronze, partly dark patinated and blue lacquered. Figure of Cupid sitting on a cushion with bow, quiver and arrow, and figure of Mercury with winged helmet, caduceus and winged sandals. On a rectangular base, the front sides with bronze applications in the form of flowers and leaf tendrils on a blue background. On fluted feet with acanthus leaves. 24.5 × 18 × 10 cm. Bronze and gilding rubbed. Base feet partly repaired. Bowstring incomplete/missing. Provenance: The Arlette and Antony Embden Collection, France. Two putti figures of Bacchus and Cupid with arrows, attributed to François Duquesnoy (1594–1643), bear some similarities to the figures on offer. Such seated child figures or putti were very popular in France in the 18th century, and a large number of models were produced in bronze and bisque porcelain. It can therefore be assumed that these putti of Mercury and Cupid were inspired by Duquesnoy's models. See Robert Wenley: French Bronzes in the Wallace Collection. London 2002, p. 82f. * The full tax is charged on this item marked *, i.e. VAT is charged on the sum will be refunded to Purchasers providing a validly stamped export declaration.