Firebacks

Description: Arched rectangular central panel with ‘nutshell’ edging on a broad fillet; figure with a floral headdress, holding a parasol in his left hand, sitting in a chariot, with foliate seat-back, drawn to the left by two lions; the whole upon a masonry causeway with pilasters; a heron flying to the left; above, swagged drapery; arched rectangular shaped border with fillet edging, symmetrical tendrils descending from a scallop shell; on top, symmetrical plant tendrils.

Notes: The design is derived from a personification of Africa, one of a set of playing cards entitled 'Jeu de la Géographie', designed by Stefano della Bella (1677); the flying heron has been copied from a print by Wenceslaus Hollar c.1658. Design elements at the bottom of the plate seen on other firebacks in this series, such as plant tendrils and a probable SHR monogram, are absent, the fireback probably having been reduced in height when cast, possibly to fit the fireplace.