Firebacks

  1. 678

    saffron_walden museum 06.jpg
    298 x 485 mm
    Image subject to copyright

    Description: Arched rectangular main panel; fillet edging; nude female figure standing on shield and holding a wind-blown sheet, upon a ground; suspended floral garlands with swirled foliage above; on top, a scallop shell between two symmetrical sea serpents

    Notes: The figure is of Fortune. The theft in 1699 from a Thames-side warehouse of several firebacks, including '5 iron Chimney-Backs cast in the figure of Fortune standing naked on a Conchus in the Sea' may refer to this type (Post Boy 11-14 Nov. 1699).

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

    Current location: Saffron Walden Museum, Saffron Walden, Essex, England.

    Museum number: 1901-39 (part of the Saffron Walden Museum museum group)