Classical Roman
About
These unusual French fireplace plaques depict figures representing Justice, Prudence, and Fortitude or Courage. They are three of the four cardinal virtues from Classical Antiquity. These date to the 1600s, and would have originally been placed within the fireplace surround. Pieces such as this would have filled the gap between the chimney opening and the fireplace mantel, along the back wall and sides. As shown below, we begin with Justice on left. The figure is seen holding a balance and scales. The smaller plaque in the center represents Prudence, which is often seen with a serpent and mirror. On the right is Force or Courage, depicted here by a warrior with sword, armor, and helmet symbolizing brave endurance, strength and perseverance.
Firebacks or fireplace plaques were cast in iron from original wooden carvings. They were first used about 500 years ago as a decorative way to reflect heat out into the room, rather than up the chimney. These incredibly detailed fireplace panels can be seen in the book Plaques De Cheminee by Henry Carpentier (1967).
Measures: Left: H=41 5/8, W=14 3/4, Center: H=39 1/2, W=13 7/8, Right: H=41 5/8, W=14 3/8. Depth 1.25 and 1 1/8 for center.
Firebacks or fireplace plaques were cast in iron from original wooden carvings. They were first used about 500 years ago as a decorative way to reflect heat out into the room, rather than up the chimney. These incredibly detailed fireplace panels can be seen in the book Plaques De Cheminee by Henry Carpentier (1967).
Measures: Left: H=41 5/8, W=14 3/4, Center: H=39 1/2, W=13 7/8, Right: H=41 5/8, W=14 3/8. Depth 1.25 and 1 1/8 for center.
Details
In the Style Of
Place of Origin
Date of Manufacture
1600s
Period
Condition
Excellent. Very good antique condition. Two holes bored in each panel for attaching them to something specific (added later). There is minor rusting and very minor wear to relief of figures..
Wear
Wear consistent with age and use
Dimensions
41.63 in. H
x
14.75 in. W
x
1.25 in. D
106 cm H
x
37 cm W
x
3 cm D
Dealer Location
Dallas, TX
Number of Items
3
Reference Number
LU90637789893
Contact The Seller
Response Time: Usually within 3 hours
1stdibs seller since 2011
Located in Dallas, TX
More from this Seller
Pair of Antique French Andirons, circa 1700
Iron, Paint
This well-worn pair of forged andirons originated in France, in the late 1600s to early 1700s. They are sometimes known as "Landiers" which indicates they not only supported fire logs, ...
18th Century French Fireback "La Raison"
Iron
This most unusual French fireback from the 1700’s has a thick, shaped surround with acanthus leaf motifs. It depicts two mischievous cherubs at play with a lion. Above this scene is L...
18th Century Fleur-de-Lys Fireback
Iron
The oldest firebacks in the world date from the 15th century when casting iron was its in early days. They are used to catch the heat from a wood fire and radiate it back into the room....
Sculpted Antique Wooden Firescreen from France wit...
Mid-19th Century.
This antique French giltwood fire screen surround has a velvet Fleur de Lys embossed fabric at its center. The detailed hand carving of the giltwood surround is abs...
Large and Rare Period Louis XIV Fireback from Fran...
Iron
This magnificent, large, rectangular fireback is from the period of Louis XIV (1643-1715). What is so amazing, is that the details are still so visible. The center of the rectangle is a...
Antique One-Piece Cooking Andiron from France, cir...
Iron
This is an antique "monochenet" or single piece andiron from France, dating to the late 1700s or early 1800s. Known as a "Landier" in French, this particular type of andiron was used in...
Large 18th Century Coat of Arms Fireback from Fran...
Iron
This nearly perfectly square fireback was created in the 1700s in France. The arms of France are on a shield, adorned with a large crown. The circular inner frame is cornered by more fl...
Antique Cast Iron Fireback, France, 1800s
Iron
This charming antique French fireback has a stylized crown at the top over a mascaron. Beneath there is a boy and girl supporter on either side of a cartouche. The central part of the c...
Antique Napoleon III Giltwood Firescreen from Fran...
This antique French giltwood framed oval needlepoint firescreen was originally used to cover the opening of the fireplace during the warmer months when the fireplace was not in use. It...
Unusual Antique French Fireback from the 1700s
Iron
This unusual, antique French fireback has floral and foliate motifs throughout. At the top is a floral crown over a cartouche featuring a rampant lion with crown inside a floral wreath....
Antique Cast Iron Fireback from France, "The Sheph...
Iron
This beautifully detailed antique French fireback depicts a herder playing his flute and holding his staff in a field under a fruit bearing tree. There are two farm animals to either si...
Cast Stone Cupids Garden Statue from France
Cast Stone
This is a pair of cast stone cupids from France. They are cast from a mold that was taken off the original statue in Paris, France. It was salvaged from a building pediment and was sold...
You May Also Like
19th Century English Regency Style Cast and Wrought Iron Fireplace Coal Grate
19th Century English Regency Style Cast and Wrough...
Iron, Wrought Iron
An elegant 19th-century English Regency style cast and wrought iron fireplace coal grate of urn or trophy form having wrought handles either side of cast body with ram's head ornament o...
Nickel-Plated Brass Anchor-form Andirons, circa 1950
Nickel-Plated Brass Anchor-form Andirons, circa 19...
Brass, Iron, Nickel
Wonderful vintage circa 1950 andirons having nickel-plated solid brass front standards in the form of ship's anchors with cast iron log rests. Marked AWS.
Impressive Pair of American Art Deco Wrought & Cast Iron Geometric Andirons.
Impressive Pair of American Art Deco Wrought & Cas...
Iron, Wrought Iron
This impressive pair of stylish American late Art Deco andirons are each constructed from a wrought iron front welded to a cast iron chenet. The fronts have been restored to their orig...
American Mid-Century Modern Fireplace Tool Set by Donald Deskey for Bennett Co.
American Mid-Century Modern Fireplace Tool Set by ...
Donald Deskey, Bennett Co.
Chrome, Iron
The design of these stylish American Mid-Century Modern fireplace tool sets is usually attributed to Donald Deskey for the Bennett Company. Of the three design variants that we have com...
17th c. Rare Antique Fireback Displaying "Caritas"
17th c. Rare Antique Fireback Displaying "Caritas"...
Iron
This 17th century fireback is in excellent condition.
It displays "caritas" wich means unlimited loving-kindness to all others or "charity" in English. This is one of the "seven virtue...
17th Century Dutch Iron Fire Grate
17th Century Dutch Iron Fire Grate
Iron
Rare large Dutch fire grate with bouquets on the top front, to the back curled forged iron decoration. Very good condition.
17th c. Antique Iron Dutch Fire Grate
17th c. Antique Iron Dutch Fire Grate
Iron
A large, rare and well used Dutch iron fire grate.
One basket bar is missing, in original used condition.
Great patina.
49 x 79 x 34
17-18th C. Andirons In The Gothic Manner
17-18th C. Andirons In The Gothic Manner
Iron
A tall pair wrought iron andirons from the 17-18 th century.
Gothic period.
One front ring is missing.
18th c. French Large Square Fireback
18th c. French Large Square Fireback
Iron
This antique fireback displays a Tympanum with 3 Fleur de Lys inside.
Antique French Fireback Displaying Pillars and Royal Arms of France
Antique French Fireback Displaying Pillars and Roy...
Very decorative 19th Century French antique fireback.
Excellent condition, to be used in a fireplace or as a backsplash.
18th c. Fireback Displaying Coat Of Arms Of Chateau Of Versailles
18th c. Fireback Displaying Coat Of Arms Of Chatea...
Iron
This early French fireback displays the Louis XIV coat of arms of the chateau of Versailles, Paris 18th century pssibly earlyer.
The crown is supported by two winged angels.
Coat of...
Rare Pair of Figurative Andirons
Rare Pair of Figurative Andirons
Iron
A rare pair of solid casted early 19th century (probably earlier) figurative andirons.
Displaying two armless, muscular male figures: Cretan Kouros; on the tapering arrow and quiver tr...
more ways to browse