Firebacks

  1. 104

    haslemere_museum 02.jpg
    495 x 690 mm
    Image subject to copyright

    Description: 'Dutch' style; arched rectangular shaped central panel with arch at top; bead edging; female figure with staff and fan in a garden, inscription DER MITAG below figure ; similarly shaped border of Corinthian columns and floral decoration; symmetrical serpents on top.

    Notes: The inscription means NOON; identified from a clearer version in the collection of the Haardplatenmuseum, Klarenbeek, Netherlands. The representations in human form of various virtues and vices in Iconologia, by Cesare Ripa, first published in the early 17th century but republished in different editions many times subsequently, formed the basis of the subject matter of several firebacks, mostly cast from continental originals, that became popular in England from the late 17th century.

    Copies of this fireback are known.

    Inscription: DER MITAG

    Manufactured: in the mid- to late-17th century possibly in the Siegerland area of Germany.

    Current location: Haslemere Educational Museum, Haslemere, Surrey, England.

    (part of the Haslemere Educational Museum museum group)