Fireback

Object/Artifact

Historic Hudson Valley

Name/Title

Fireback

Entry/Object ID

VC.60.1

Description

Fireback, with domed top bearing shell motif at center, dolphins at sides; border of simple scrolls; scene of crowned lion, rampant, with sword in right paw, bundle of seven arrows in left, and, to right, female figure, seated, holding lance with hat upon its point, wearing second hat; at bottom of scene, enclosing the figures, basket-work woven fence, with gate at left.

Made/Created

Artist Information

Artist

Unknown

Attribution

Maker

Notes

Dates: 1600 - 1699 Date made: r. 1600 - 1699

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Overall

Height

29-1/2 in

Width

21-7/8 in

Dimension Notes

Display Dimensions: 29 1/2 x 21 7/8 in. (74.9 x 55.6 cm)

Material

Cast iron

General Notes

Note Type

Curatorial Remarks

Note

Miscellaneous: Iconography of scene: Lion, with seven arrows representing the provinces of Holland, is coat-of-arms of the Netherlands; seated woman is personification of Holland; hat on lance interpreted as symbol of liberty, or stadholder's hat; fence is the border of Holland. Type apparently not uncommon Dutch fireback.

Note Type

StorageNote

Note

Home Location: Historic Hudson Valley, Van Cortlandt Complex, Ferry House - Basement