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.

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