Modernist fireplace mantelpiece, ca. 1930

Modernist fireplace garnish, ca. 1930.
Gilded bronze.
With tools and two morillos.
Measurements: 70 cm (height tools); 30 x 18 x 53 cm (morillos).

This set formed by fireplace tools and two clearly sculptural morillos adopt the form of dragons.

The dragon is an ancient symbol, related to Catalonia through the history of Sant Jordi, its patron saint, but at the same time it has its roots directly in Greek mythology, in the figure of the agatodemon. The Greeks conceived him as a beneficent daimon who accompanied people throughout their lives, manifesting himself when necessary. As a personal companion spirit he was similar to the Roman genie, and like him he guaranteed good luck, health and wisdom. In Christianity it would have its echo in the Guardian Angel, although it is mentioned in the Black Book, where all the demons and hierarchies of hell are listed. However, it is a good genie, a benevolent spirit who fiercely defends the home from evil spirits. Originally, in Greece the agatodemon was represented in the form of a snake or as a young man accompanied by a cornucopia, a bowl, a poppy and ears of wheat. With the passage of time his representation as a winged serpent or dragon prevailed.