Locksmith's Sign
1760-1800 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Until the 19th century, trade-signs, often made of iron, enlivened many European streets. They acted as indicators of the sort of trade being carried out, or the goods being marketed within the premises. Signs also allowed private houses and institutions to be readily identified in a large town or city - particularly necessary before the 19th century introduction of house numbering and street signs and in an age when illiteracy was still widespread.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Wrought iron |
| Brief description | Locksmith's sign, wrought iron, Germany, late 18th century |
| Physical description | Locksmith's sign in the form of a wrought iron bracket. Asymmetical scrolling foliage issuing from a cornucopia, supporting a lion holding a key. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Gallery label | BRACKET
Wrought iron
France; 17th century
The cornucopia on which the key is balanced and the asymmetrical scrolls show the influence of the Rococo style.
Museum No. 545-1869(07/1994) |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Until the 19th century, trade-signs, often made of iron, enlivened many European streets. They acted as indicators of the sort of trade being carried out, or the goods being marketed within the premises. Signs also allowed private houses and institutions to be readily identified in a large town or city - particularly necessary before the 19th century introduction of house numbering and street signs and in an age when illiteracy was still widespread. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 545-1869 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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