Fire screens shielded people from excessive heat and flying sparks.  They also covered the fireplace when not in use.  Iron, brass and bronze were often the metals used, with wire mesh insets to trap sparks.  In this case, a lovely hand-painted scene fills the the fire screen with its beauty.

 

The Louis XV style, also known as Rococo, was the rage during the reign of King Louis XV (1730-1760).  It has remained a timeless style, characterized by intricate detail, ornate curves and a romantic, playful aesthetic. Comfort and intimacy were characteristics of the time, reflecting the taste of the aristocracy and the king’s mistresses in particular (Madame de Pompadour and Madame du Barry.)  Some consider it to be the epitome, the Golden Age, of French furnishings.