Firebacks

Description: Arched rectangular shaped central panel, bead-and-pellet on fillet edging; beneath swagged curtains, a basket containing a variety of fruit - plums, apples, pears and grapes - resting on a table or plinth covered with a fringed cloth; arched rectangular shaped border with fillet edging and symmetrical foliate tendrils; date in bottom corners split betwen foliate tendrils incorporating looped 'W' shapes; on top, symmetrical scrolled plant tendrils.

Notes: One of a series of firebacks made originally in 1724. The basket of fruit was probably inspired by still-life paintings by European artists of the first half of the 17th century. Formerly at Salem, Massachusetts.

Copies of this fireback are known.

Inscription: 17 24