FIREBACKS AND STYLE PERIODS

The first firebacks date from the second half of the 15th century. Cast iron techniques, which were invented in that period, made it possible to produce firebacks. The first firebacks were made in France, Germany and and the Benelux. 

The use of firebacks was the exclusive right of landlords, who decorated the firebacks with their arms. From the beginning of the 17th century, with the emergence of the bourgeois, firebacks obtained other decorations in addition to arms. 

In the Netherlands, firebacks were decorated with VOC rulers, with angels and twigs to mark the end of the war with the Spanish (Treaty of Munster). In Germany people preferred biblical images. The French, now ruled by Louis XIV, continued to produce firebacks with the arms of Louis XIV, which often show the three french lilies and the sun marking the king of the sun himself.  

From mid 17th century, firebacks --among many other material matters such as furniture, architecture and fashion-- began to follow the styles that were en vogue at the royal courts and later among the bourgeois. In different European countries there were different styles, but the styles had many similarities. The following style periods are recognised.

Medieval (Gothic, Tudor) (till 1550)

Use of primitive patterns as well as religious and feudal elements (weapons) with preference for the gothic style.

Renaissance (Louis XIII and XIV, American Colonial, Elizabethan/Jacobean) (1550 - 1650)

Next to religion and coats of arms, firebacks were used to mark political events such as peace, peace treaties and political reactions by the upcoming bourgeous.

Barock (Roccoco, Chippendale, Louis XV, Spanish colonial, early Federal) (1650 - 1775)

Use of romantic and richly ornate elements.

Neo-classic (Empire, Biedermeier, Louis XVI, Federal, Regency, Georgian, Victorian) (1775 - 1850)

Use of classical elements and symbols from Egypt, Greece and the Roman Empire.

Jugendstill (Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Arts & Crafts) (1900 - 1930)

Both Jugendstill and Art Deco were a reaction to the upcoming industrialization and favored the use of arts and crafts. Jugendstill favored organic elements, mostly floral and lines, whereas Art Deco was more stylized.