Antique Napoleon on Horseback Cast Iron Fireback with Brown Enamel Finish

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Description

A scene of quiet imperial theatre unfolds in cast iron: napoleon, captured mid-ride, frozen in that familiar posture of determination … Read more A scene of quiet imperial theatre unfolds in cast iron: napoleon, captured mid-ride, frozen in that familiar posture of determination and destiny. This fireback is not merely functional, it is declarative. A fragment of french visual storytelling cast in heavy iron and softened with a rich brown enamel patina that feels almost like aged lacquer.

measuring an impressive 81 x 81 cm, it commands attention with the calm authority of a central salon piece. Behind a hearth or standing freely as a sculptural object, it brings a theatrical gravity to any interior, as though the room suddenly remembers it once had a stage. We imagine it once guarding a grand fireplace where conversations lingered late into the night, glasses refilled slowly, politics and poetry blurred together somewhere in the glow.

dated to the mid 19th century, this fireplate carries its age with quiet dignity. It shows age-appropriate wear, with some losses to the enamel surface, subtle and unobtrusive rather than distracting. Overall, the piece is remarkably clean and well preserved. There are no traces of heat damage or burning, suggesting it was either lightly used or primarily kept for decorative purposes.

for today's home - have you ever considered placing an antique fireplate behind a stove or cooking range? it creates a protective shield for the wall or tiles, guarding them from heat, splashes, moisture and the quiet chaos of everyday cooking. Cast iron is made for this role: it absorbs and withstands high temperatures with ease, while its solid surface is far less sensitive to stains or wear. In a kitchen setting it becomes both useful and atmospheric, adding depth and character while quietly doing the hard work of protection in the background. A little idea…!

dimensions: h 81 x w 81 x d 2 cm
materials & techniques: cast iron and enamel
provenance: france
period: mid 19th c

please keep in mind that in many cases we sell vintage and antique pieces. None of these pieces should be considered new or in perfect condition.

all of our vintage products show the rich beauty and history of their life with the knocks and bumps of many years of use. We restore our pieces so they will be clean and in a good working condition. However we try to minimise restoration to keep every piece as original as possible.

the physical object can differ slightly in colour from the object as presented online. We have made every effort to display colours accurately, but cannot guarantee that the pictures accurately reflect the colour of those goods in real life. This piece is designed in the style of the selected designer and/or manufacturer See less