Pair of George IV standing screens in satin wood and fabric, England, 19th century.

Two George IV standing screens, supported by three curved feet, on which stands a refined baluster engaged with the stem that ends in a vase-shaped element. Two shield-shaped panels are fixed by rings and screws, allowing their height to be adjusted. Made of lemon wood and painted with phytomorphic patterns, the screens feature inserts of embroidered fabric. While in the 19th century standing screens had an ornamental function, in the 18th century they were used to protect the face from the direct heat of the fire, which could generate dangerous toxic reactions with the lead white cosmetics (basic lead carbonate) that were widely used at the time by both men and women. The adjustable height allowed them to be personalised according to the user's needs, positioning them as a screen between the face and the fireplace.