Fireback Dated 1692 Orval (87x80 Cm)

Fireback dated 1692, vintage 17th century in perfect condition, noted 16-92 in the two upper spandrels, cast at the Orval forges, noted OR-VAL in the two lower spandrels. The abbey, renowned for the quality of its foundries since 1530, reached its peak around 1750. We reproduce, below, the writings of Michel Rezette: Les taques de foyer et l'Abbaye d'Orval, 2020 whom we thank for its research and the accuracy of its publication. “The central medallion is a true copy of a typographic mark by Charles Savreux, taken over by his successor Guillaume Desprez. Inside the medallion are represented the three theological virtues: faith, represented by a dove; hope is the anchor that gives a glimpse of arrival at safe harbor; and charity with a burning heart. The whole thing is surrounded by the motto “HOC FAC ET VIVES” (Luke, 10:28): Do this and live. As for the two united hands, they could symbolize between Charles Savreux and his former apprentice, Gaspard Migeot, established as a printer in Mons with the same sign (Aux trois virtues) and with the same typographical marks. Such an agreement could make it possible to circumvent certain prohibitions affecting Jansenist writings in France. But these two hands also symbolize union, which would explain the choice often made of this hat as a wedding gift. A similar plate dated 1714 and noted RA-VEZ, probably a copy of the Orval taque melted in the Rawez blast furnace, is presented at the Arlon museum in Belgium. This plaque was found in Burgundy. His weight is 155 kg. Sources: - Les taque de foyer and Orval Abbey, 2020. Michel Rezette. - Annals of the Archaeological Institute of Luxembourg, volume 28, 1908, JB Sibenaler, page 50. - CARPENTIER H., Firebacks, Volume 1, F. DE NOBELE, Paris, 1967, page 99 No. 175. Thanks to Ms. Christine Chazeau for her research and her pugnacity. You can visit our site: www.claudeaugustin.com