Fire screen (écran) 1781 - 1791

This fire screen, crafted by renowned French cabinetmaker Georges Jacob between 1781 and 1791, showcases the exquisite craftsmanship and decorative trends of the Neoclassical era. The screen's elegant frame is adorned with intricate carvings and gilded finish, while the central panel features a delicate embroidered scene of a bird in a cage amidst a verdant landscape. The screen's original purpose was to protect furniture and occupants from the heat of the fireplace. It now stands as a testament to the artistry and refinement of 18th-century French design. This fire screen is an excellent example of a traditional French decorative art piece that would have been displayed in an aristocratic home, and is currently on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.