Chevaux Marin' (seahorse) chenet, one of a pair, c. 1745-1750, 16 13/16 x 5 x 13 5/8 in. ( x x cm), Gilt bronze, iron, France, 18th century, These andirons (firedogs) are decorated with sea-horses, which were sculpted as thoroughbred steeds, their hooves replaced with fins. The fact that sea-horses, which live in the water, are shown on fireplace equipment, refers to the ancient Greek theory that the cosmos is comprised of four, antithetical elements: fire, water, earth and air.

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Size: 6507px × 4872px
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Photo credit: © Penta Springs / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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