Fire screen

1750-1780

Measurements

52-1/2 in x 18-3/4 in x 17 in

Materials

Mahogany, wool (upholstered panel)

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.3502

Condition Notes

The finial is a replacement.  The flame-stitch wool needlework, probably a section of upholstery, is not original to this screen.

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

A fire screen, also called a pole screen, was used to deflect heat from a fireplace for someone sitting near it.  Accordingly, the wide screen adjusted up or down on the wood pole by use of a brass pressure clip mounted to the back of the screen.

This simple screen has three carved cabriole legs.  The feet, which stand on small pads, have a ridge along the top that becomes a pointed toe.  The standard has an urn turning below a column and a ball at the top where the pole enters.  The needlework panel is colored gold, blue, brown, and red.