P268 - Cast iron fireplace back plate, 19th century, dimensions cm W 40 x H 63

P268 - Cast iron fireplace back plate, with sculpted mythological figures. 19th century. Cast iron plates were used, before the advent of refractory bricks, to protect the wall from fire and to improve the efficiency of the fireplace by continuing to emit heat for some time even after the fire went out. Dimensions cm W 40 x H 63