Fire screen (écran)

This elegant fire screen, crafted in 1781, offers a glimpse into the refined domestic interiors of late 18th-century France. Its carved beechwood frame, once gilded and silvered, would have shimmered in candlelight, reflecting the taste for delicate ornamentation during the Louis XVI period. While its silk brocade panel is an 18th-century fabric, it’s not the original textile, which would have been equally luxurious. The screen's primary function was practical: to shield occupants from the intense heat of a roaring fire, preventing discomfort and protecting delicate complexions or furnishings. Yet, its intricate design elevates it beyond mere utility, transforming it into a decorative object that speaks to a desire for both comfort and beauty in the home. The maker, Philippe de la Salle, was primarily a textile designer, making this carved wooden object a rare example of his broader artistic output.