Not currently on display at the V&A

Fireback

ca. 1650 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Cast iron fireback depicting a lion with a lamb between its front paws.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Cast iron
Brief description
Fireback depicting a lion with a lamb between its front paws, cast iron, made in England, ca. 1650
Physical description
Cast iron fireback depicting a lion with a lamb between its front paws.
Dimensions
  • Height: 37cm
  • Width: 47cm
  • Depth: 3.3cm
Gallery label
FIREBACK Cast iron England; c. 1650 A Lion with a lamb between its forepaws, a reference to the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah's vision of Christ's kingdon (Isaiah, chapter 2, verse 6). The subject is perhaps a reference to the political uncertainty surrounding the execution of King Charles I in 1649, and the establishment of the Commonwealth. Museum No. 894-1901(07/1994)
Historical context
The museum is grateful for images and information supplied by the researcher and author, Jeremy Hodgkinson FSA, 30 March 2022
Subjects depicted
Bibliographic references
  • Butterfield, W. Ruskin. Old Wealden Firebacks. The Connoisseur. Dec. 1916. pp.197-206.
  • Lloyd, N. Domestic Ironwork. I. Firebacks. Archaeological Review. LVIII, 1925. pp.58-67.
  • Starkie Gardner, J. Iron Casting in the Weald. Archaeologie. LVI, May 12th 1898. pp.133-164.
Collection
Accession number
894-1901

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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