Fire screen 1731 - 1745

This ornate fire screen, crafted by Ferdinand Hundt between 1731 and 1745, exemplifies the Rococo style popular in 18th-century Europe. The gilded wood frame is lavishly decorated with intricate carvings of scrolling foliage, mythical creatures, and a central female head. The blue silk fabric inset within the frame adds a touch of elegance and serves as a practical barrier against the heat of a fireplace. The screen, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Hundt's mastery of the Rococo aesthetic, characterized by its playful curves and whimsical details.