Firebacks

  1. 555

    pet-m-47.jpg
    540 x 858 mm

    Description: Arched rectangular central panel with overlapping leaf edging; pictorial scene of Poseidon/Neptune holding a trident in this right hand, and grasping the reins of two hippocampi in his left hand; beneath his feet a scallop shell, and to his lower left a putto blowing a horn; suspended above him an assemblage of shells; stepped-arched rectangular shaped border with scalloped fillet edging; top centre, scallop shell with a descending arrangment of seashells and seaweed; on top, a scallop shell between two putti and below them, two dolphins.

    Notes: An uncharacteristically elaborate version of the usual 'Dutch' style of fireback, suggesting a later date, or possibly a pastiche.

    Manufactured: in the mid to late 18th century in Germany.

    Current location: Petworth House, Petworth, West Sussex, England.

    Museum number: NT/PET/M/47 (part of the National Trust museum group)