A pair of sphinx chenets guards this classical French ormolu fireplace guard. Cast from a model by renowned 19th-century sculptor Frédérick Eugène Piat, the sphinxes rest upon a stepped fender surmounted by a floral-festooned urn. In a career spanning close to 50 years, Piat formed a considerable body of work, creating designs and models for a vast array of clocks, appliques, lampes, candelabras and torchères. Such designs were executed by many of the most reputable firms of Parisian bronziers, among them Christofle, Colin, Lemerle-Charpentier, Motteau and Maison Millet. As an artiste collaborateur with these firms, many of Piat's creations were shown on their respective stands at the major international exhibitions of the late 19t