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Pair of andirons

1697–98
Not on view
Fire dogs, or andirons, have a strong, raised projection across which logs are laid in an open, wide-chimney fireplace. The generous silver fronts on these andirons are not functional but would have been eye-catching in a great room.


When ornamented, iron fire dogs were typically fronted with brass or, occasionally, enamel on brass. These pieces by Benjamin Pyne are two rare survivals in silver. Pyne had a long career as a goldsmith in London and much of his work for municipalities and churches has survived; in 1715, he was appointed Subordinate Goldsmith for the coronation of the first Hanoverian king, George I, and in 1725 he was elected Prime Warden of the goldsmiths' guild.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Pair of andirons
  • Maker: Benjamin Pyne (active 1693–1727)
  • Date: 1697–98
  • Culture: British, London
  • Medium: Silver, iron
  • Dimensions: Height (each): 21 3/8 in. (54.3 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Silver
  • Credit Line: Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1968
  • Object Number: 68.141.155a, b
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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