Firebacks

In the National Maritime Museum museum group

  1. 576

    greenwich,_national maritime museum 01.jpg
    684 x 732 mm
    Image subject to copyright

    Description: Arched rectangular shape; stepped fillet edging; in the arch, two putti holding a wreath from which hang two swags of drapery which, passing through rings in each top corner of the plate, terminate in large tassels comprising fruit and flowers, which reach nearly to the bottom of the plate; at the bottom, the date in a central cartouche surmounted by a scallop shell, between the two initials.

    Notes: The space in the middle of the plate is available for further decoration.

    Copies of this fireback are known.

    Inscription: G / 1687 / S

    Manufactured: in 1687 possibly in the Siegerland area of Germany.

    Current location: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, England.

    Museum number: AAA3478 (part of the National Maritime Museum museum group)

  2. 1018

    greenwich,_national maritime museum 02a.jpg
    870 x 740 mm
    Image subject to copyright

    Description: Arched rectangular; cavetto-moulded edging, invected on the inner edge; English royal Stuart shield, garter, crown, supporters and motto; monogram to right of unicorn supporter.

    Notes: The monogram probably identifies the pattern-maker, whose invected edging seems to be a distinctive style.

    Copies of this fireback are known.

    Inscription: HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE / RN / DIEV ET MON DROIT

    Arms: English Stuart royal

    Manufactured: in the early- to mid-17th century in England.

    Current location: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, England.

    Museum number: AAA3476 (part of the National Maritime Museum museum group)