Rare 17th C. French Fireback, Arms of Henri Jules De Bourbon, Prince of Condé

First used about 450-500 years ago to reflect and disperse heat from a fire, firebacks were often cast with themes specific to the homeowner. Sometimes the iron would feature a familial coat of arms, or in the case of this 17th century semis de fleur de lys fireback, decorative motifs would represent the owner. The rectangular fireback has an arched top and a thick multi-layered molding along all edges. In the center is a raised heraldic shield with multiple fleur de lys charges, arranged in a pattern known as semis. A crinkled ribbon transverses the top edge, beneath a papal mitre and crozier topped with a volute leaf, indicating that the original owner was possibly a member of the church, possibly even a bishop. The iron has developed a fascinating chalky gray patina and can still be used functionally in a traditional fireplace...

This tapestry from the mid to late 1600’s depicts the Forging of the Arms of Achilles. The figure on the right, Thetis, mother of Achilles, has commissioned armor for him to use in the Trojan War. Kneeling down with the helmet of Achilles in hand, is Hephasteus, God of fire, metal working, masonry, and blacksmiths. This piece was manufactured by Aubusson around 1670, based on the design by Issac Moillon (Painter of the King). Another tapestry like this can currently be seen in the Hospices of Beaune (Nicole de Reynie`s. Sylvain Laveissie`re. "Isaac Moillon (1614-1673), un peintre du roi a` Aubusson". Somogy, 2005, p. 158 a` 180.) A photo can be seen on the French Ministry of Culture website. Some fragments have been slipped in which are not perfect to the area’s scene, but, were perhaps part of the rest of this tapestry which was too damaged to use. The tapestry weavers who wove the faces, hands, feet and bodies of the people in tapestries were at the top in terms of skills. This weaver was superb in the depiction of all of the people. Note the delicacy of the hands of Thetis. For those who appreciate the truly old and beautiful without requiring perfect condition will cherish this 345 year old textile...

Originating in the 1800s in France, this stunning fireplace mantel was hand-carved from rouge de France marble. The marble has a wonderful red and brown palette with white and gray v...

This rare pair of French bronze andirons is from the period of Louis XIV (1643-1715), which in France, was the period that the andiron reached its greatest artistic development. The ...

After a fireback once commissioned by Nicolas Fouquet, for his Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, this large iron fireback was cast in France during the late 1600s/early 1700s (the original...

This grand and distinctive piece of furniture from Northern Brittany is known as a “buffet malouin” and was created in the late 17th century. These types of cabinets were created for important homes in the historic port city of Saint-Malo. The design, with large octagonal molded panels, double colonettes, and finely cut brass fittings, is unique to other French furniture of the period. The design was directly influenced by the Dutch mariner carpenters living in Saint-Malo at the time (the Dutch beeldenkast cabinet shows similarities) The large four-door cabinet was carved in oak, as was most of the other “malouin” furniture pieces. It is an imposing and impressive piece, standing over 7 feet tall and nearly 7 feet wide. The front of the piece has twisted, double colonettes, multi-profiled cushion-shaped octagonal panels, and finely cut brass key hole escutcheons, drawer pulls, and lozenge plates. There are 3 drawers, 2 of which are full sized, with a smaller drawer in the center. 3 large bun feet along the front hold up the entire piece, while 2 block feet support the rear. Each door has its own functioning key and lock, with a yet another key for the center drawer. Door and drawer panels are solid and impressive old pieces of oak, which still open and close with ease, indicating the quality of construction and great care that this piece has received over the centuries. The “meuble malouin” in the form of a large 4 door buffet is not often easily found. Research shows photos of several models in various states that have come to surface, but they were not nearly pervasive as French case...

17th Century French fireback with the arms of Lorraine. Surrounded by a chain of the Golden Fleece. The symbol of this Order is a small golden fleece of a ram's head and feet, taken ...

Beautiful 17th century French fireback with the arms of Lorraine. Central is the round shield with arms of Charles III, Duke of Lorraine, flanked by the A...

17th century French Louis XIV period fireback with the Arms of France. A coat of arms of the House of Bourbon, an originally French royal house that became a major dynasty in Europe....

Beautiful 17th century French Louis XIV fireback with the arms of France, dated 1603. This is the coat of arms of the House of Bourbon, an originally French royal house that became a...

17th-18th century French fireback with the arms of Leopold I, Duke of Lorraine. We have a unique and specialized collection of antique and used fireplace accessories consisting of m...

17th / 18th century French Louis XIV period fireback with the Arms of France. A coat of arms of the House of Bourbon, an originally French royal house that became a major dynasty in ...