Fireback

Unknown

1703 · Cast iron · The American Wing

Cast iron firebacks served the dual purpose of reflecting the heat of a fire back into a room and protecting vulnerable bricks and plaster on the back wall of a fireplace. Cast with the image of a stone fortress, bristling with cannons and a commanding figure standing atop a rampart, flying a British flag, it also features the date “1703,” possibly the year of its manufacture.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1703

Medium

Cast iron

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. J. Insley Blair, 1947