Crafted circa 1880, this cast iron fireback once graced the back of a fireplace in France. The rectangular fireback has an angular arched top with an egg and dart border along all edges. A central heraldic display depicts the arms of King Louis XIII of France, which is a pair of impaled (side-by-side) shields charged with three fleur de lys (known as “France modern”) on the right and the arms of Navarre on the left. The coat of arms is encircled by a large fluted and floral wreath that is filled with three fleur de lys and a closed crown that sits on top of the shields. Two dog supporters each stand over a singular fleur de lys and are looking over their shoulders at a fluted column that supports a fluted arch. There is a pair of scrolled corbels next to the columns that supports a larger third arch. A mascaron sits on top of the wreath beneath the large arch, with a pair of abundant cornucopias emerging from his mouth.

Today, firebacks can still be placed on the back wall of a chimney to reflect heat back into the room. They are also found in kitchens, as a backsplash above a stove or range top. Our Louis XIII style cast iron fireback has a deep, rich patina, allowing it to be installed architecturally as a decorative piece of wall art.

CONDITION: Solid antique condition. Wear commensurate to age and use, including fleabites and light fading of some elements. Some minor rubs to the edges.