Wrought iron fireplace screen by Atelier Marolles, France, 1950s

This wrought iron fireplace screen was produced by Atelier Marolles in France during the 1950s. The structure is entirely hand-forged iron, featuring a rectangular frame supported by two arched trestle legs ending in decorative scrolls. A dense wire mesh serves as the central background, overlaid with a grid design that creates distinct rectangular compartments. Within these frames, hammered iron silhouettes depict a vertical collection of elephants, goats, horses, and winged roosters. The figures are applied directly to the mesh surface, displaying a hammered and textured metal finish. Functionally, the screen incorporates an integrated set of fireplace tools hanging from forged hooks on the side uprights. The set includes a brush, shovel, poker, and claw or trident, all crafted with matching stylistic elements. The assembly relies on traditional blacksmithing techniques, emphasizing the industrial yet artisanal nature of metalwork typical of Marolles designs from the mid-20th century. Dimensions: 80 X 94 X 25 cm.