PAIR OF 19TH CENTURY HESSIAN SOLDIER ANDIRONS
A great pair of andirons representing the "Marching Hessian." This subject became popular in the 1780s after the American Revolution. The representation of the Hessian soldier who fought for the British as a mercenary played on patriotic sympathies. Human figures on andirons were uncommon, and it is said that putting this figure to such menial use symbolized American resentment of the mercenary soldier. These cast iron andirons retain the original painted surface, which sets off the details of the uniform and the facial expression. In very good condition. Circa 1840.
Height: 16 inches; Width: 8 1/4 inches; Depth: 9 inches
PRICE: $825