Firebacks

Description: Arched rectangular centrel panel with bead on fillet edging; pictorial scene of a seated naked female with two clothed male figures behind; in front is a pool with a fountain to the right, and platform with a vase of flowers to the left; behind, an archway and a tree; arched rectangular border with fillet edging; at the top of the arch a cartouche from which are suspended two ribbons, each held by a putto, from which cascade flowers and fruit, each lower part hung from a ring; two putti are on each side, one climbing on the suspended ribbon, the other at its foot; at the bottom, a cartouche containing the monogram between two clusters of flowers each suspended on a ribbon tied to a scroll; on top, two descending cornucopiae.

Notes: The scene is of Susanna and the Elders from the biblical Apocrypha.

Copies of this fireback are known.

Inscription: HIS

Description: Cavetto canted rectangular central panel with ovolo-moulded edging, enclosing a pictorial scene of a naked female seated at a fountain on the left, with two clothed males to her right; behind, a part of a domed brick building with the inscription around the top of the wall; enclosing the scene, twin floral festoons suspended from top centre; on top, a central crown between two descending dolphins.

Notes: The scene depicts the Apocryphal story of Susanna and the Elders.

Copies of this fireback are known.

Inscription: SVSANA