Firebacks

592mm wide

  1. 571

    pet-m-62.jpg
    592 x 822 mm

    Description: Arched rectangular shaped central panel with bead-on-fillet edging; pictorial scene of the interior of the stable at Bethlehem with a stone arched doorway and a hay stall in the background; in the left foreground the seated figure of the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus, and Joseph behind; behind Joseph a donkey, and to the left of the child a seated ox; to the right, three figures, one kneeling and another holding a hat; in front of the kneeling figure a basket; arched rectangular border with fillet edging and a repeated leaf pattern; on top, a scallop shell between two dolphins.

    Notes: The scene is of the Adoration by the Magi - Matthew 2: 11.

    Copies of this fireback are known.

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

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

    Museum number: NT/PET/M/62 (part of the National Trust museum group)

  2. 531

    pet-m-84.jpg
    592 x 758 mm

    Description: Arched rectangular central panel with cavetto-moulded edging; standing female figure holding a bunch of lowers in her left hand and a pot of flowers in her ight hand; to her left a ribbed, two-handled vase of tulips, to her right a fountain with a seated figure of Neptune/Poseidon holding a trident in the right hand; the words, Fruhling, split by the figure; above, clouds; on top a scallop shell between two descending sea serpents.

    Notes: The iconic figure of Spring.

    Copies of this fireback are known.

    Inscription: FRVH LING

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

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

    Museum number: NT/PET/M/84 (part of the National Trust museum group)