Atelier Marolles Wrought Iron Animal Fire Screen 1950s

This wrought iron fire screen was produced by Atelier Marolles in France during the 1950s. The structure is composed entirely of hand-forged iron, featuring a rectangular frame supported by two arched trestle legs terminating in decorative scrolls. A dense wire mesh screen serves as the central backdrop, overlaid with a grid layout that creates distinct rectangular compartments. Within these frames, hammered iron silhouettes depict a vertical menagerie of elephants, goats, horses, and winged roosters. The figures are applied directly to the mesh surface, showcasing a textured, beaten metal finish. Functionally, the screen incorporates an integrated set of fireplace tools hanging from hooks forged onto the lateral uprights. The accompanying set includes a brush, dustpan, poker, and tongs, all crafted with matching stylistic elements. The assembly relies on traditional blacksmithing joinery techniques, emphasizing the industrial yet artisanal nature of the metalwork typical of Marolles designs from the mid-20th century.