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Finial
Unknown - Enlarge image
Finial
- Place of origin:
France (made)
- Date:
18th century (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Unknown (production)
- Materials and Techniques:
Gilt brass, cast and chased
- Credit Line:
Given by J. H. Fitzhenry
- Museum number:
833-1902
- Gallery location:
In Storage
The large-scale expansion of the brass industry in Europe dates from the late 17th century. It was driven by improvements in the supply of zinc combined with an increasing understanding of the chemical structure of the alloy. At the same time brass founders began to favour moulds of sand instead of clay. This reduced the cost of casting, and soon the range of cast brass goods increased dramatically. By the 19th century, brass had become extremely versatile and inexpensive and the applications were almost endless.
This finial, probably from a Baroque tomb railing, is cast and chased in gilt brass and features scrolling foliage.
