Style Empire / Ref.9398
"Mouth of Truth" fireback
Dimensions
Width: 60 cm / 23'' ⅝
Height: 60 cm / 23'' ⅝
Origin:
France, 19th century.
Status:
Good condition.
This practically square cast iron fireback bears an unusual allegorical scene. A woman dressed in a toga with a flowing stole places her hand in the mouth of a carved bust. On the base of this statue are carved the words “ Bouche de Vérité " (Mouth of Truth).
This scene refers to an ancient Roman belief: adulterous women placed their hand in this mouth, which would close and trap her hand if she was guilty. The original Mouth of truth, the “Bocca della Verita” is in Rome placed against the wall of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.
A version of the fireback Bouche de Véritée is in Henri Carpentier’s book on firebacks, the best reference book for French firebacks.
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