Fireback
Henry William Stiegel
(American (born in Germany), 1729–1785)
Elizabeth Furnace
1769
Object PlaceElizabeth, Pennsylvania
Medium/TechniqueCast iron
Dimensions59.1 cm (23 1/4 in.)
Credit LineWilliam H. Fenn III Glass Collection
Accession number1978.1168
On View
Not on viewClassificationsMetalwork
Collections
Made of durable cast iron, firebacks protected the rear wall of the fireplace from damaging flames and heat. Given their prominent location in the hearth, they were often decorated in the latest styles. Here, the Rococo, C-scroll design is closely related to decoration on furniture and architecture-note the pediment of the high chest and the knees of the side chair, exhibited nearby. The same woodcarvers who embellished furniture often carved the wooden molds used to create firebacks.
Inscriptions"1769" cast at top.ProvenanceEarly history unknown; 1978, Gift of Mrs. William H. Fenn III, Yorklyn SR Box 21, Mt Cuba, Delaware
1850-1900
