Haardplaat met een buste van koning Lodewijk XIV c. 1650 - 1675

This cast-iron fireback, created by an anonymous artist in the Netherlands between 1650 and 1675, is a testament to the power and prestige of King Louis XIV of France. The fireback, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, features a detailed, raised relief portrait of the king, surrounded by intricate designs. The central figure is a powerful representation of Louis XIV, embodying his regal authority and the grandeur of the French monarchy. The decorative elements, including floral motifs and the heraldic symbols of the Sun King, further enhance the work's symbolic meaning, highlighting Louis XIV's status as the center of power in his era. The fireback, a quintessential example of Dutch Baroque art, served both a practical and decorative purpose, radiating heat and elegance in the homes of wealthy patrons.