Fireback

1770–74

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 720

Founded in 1766, Aetna Furnace was located about nineteen miles east of Philadelphia. Not surprisingly, therefore, the imagery on the front of this fireback relates closely to designs carved into furniture and architecture made in Philadelphia at the same date. The firm took its name from the volcanic mountain in Sicily that the ancient Romans believed to be the abode of Vulcan, smith and metalworker to the gods.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Fireback
Maker: Aetna Furnace (established 1776)
Date: 1770–74
Geography: Made in Burlington County, New Jersey, United States
Culture: American
Medium: Cast iron
Dimensions: 26 1/4 x 22 1/8 in. (66.7 x 56.2 cm)
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1936
Object Number: 36.32
Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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