Cast Iron Fireback

The cast-iron firebacks that graced almost every hearth of substance from mid-central France all the way into the Low Countries and Germany from the early 1500s on bore various designs and motifs, either based on local manufacturers’ preferences or the whims of the individual purchaser wealthy enough to commission a design of his own. This fireback, which dates from the early 1800s, reflects the politics of its time. Under Napoleon, anything hinting at the Arms of France or royal Valoisemblems such as the fleur-de-lis was forbidden. The woman with the crown is probably Miverva, the Roman goddess symbolizing hearth and family; the crook and the winnowing fan are autumn motifs symbolizing the harvest.

CLASSIFICATION

Antique

AGE

165

MATERIAL

Cast iron

PERIOD

Mid 19th Century