Andiron with the Figure of Venus

An andiron (more commonly known as a firedog) is a metal stand used for supporting wood in an open fireplace. It is usually one of a pair. The figure shown here is thought to be Venus, the goddess associated with love, beauty, and desire, who was Vulcan's unfaithful wife in Roman mythology. Its pair (LL 185) shows the figure of Vulcan, the god of fire and metal-working.