Large 17th Century Iron Hollandia Pro Patria Fireback, circa 1690

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Large 17th Century Iron Hollandia Pro Patria Fireback, circa 1690

About the Item

The design of this large and original 17th century fireback celebrates the unification of the Dutch provinces in 1648 and the birth William III in 1650. A similar design is recorded in 1581 on the Declaration of Independence. The rectangular back inscribed 'Pro Patria' (for the fatherland) and the arch above 'Hollandia'. The figure of the Maid of Dort (the Dutch equivalent of Britannia) is seated within a wooden palisade holding a hat on a spear to indicate Holland surrounded by her fortified frontiers maintaining liberty by force of arms. The lion rampart (also representing Holland) carries a sword and holds a bundle of arrows as he stands ready to repel invaders. The pomegranate border symbolising many under one authority. Although of Dutch design this fireback would almost certainly have been made in Germany, probably Siegerland, and this example was made circa 1690. It is crisply cast and of an early fine form with scallop shells to the upper border. This design was frequently reproduced in the 19th century and 20th century and the castings are consistently of poorer quality with limited definition. The fire backs themselves are thick and extremely heavy. Throughout the 19th century dolphins often replace the scallop shells and other variations in this position indicate a far later date. Such firebacks were imported to Britain from the late 1660s and in increasing numbers when William III (William of Orange) became King of England, Ireland and Scotland in 1689. 'William of Orange' who later became King of England. With some losses, a crack and depletions to the lower margin consistent with age but in completely usable, stable and original condition, not re-finished. Dimensions are: 29 inches high, 22 inches wide and 0.5 inches deep. For metric please multiply by 2.5.

Dimensions:
Height: 29 in (73.66 cm)Width: 22 in (55.88 cm)Depth: 0.5 in (1.27 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Iron
Place of Origin:
Netherlands
Period:
17th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1690
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor structural damages.
Seller Location:
Dallington, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU4469213767562