Haardplaat met Willem III after 1696

This iron fireback featuring Willem III was made in the Netherlands in 1696 by an anonymous artist. Firebacks like this one were placed in fireplaces to protect the wall from the fire's heat, but also to project status. The bust of William the Third is framed by leafy branches bearing fruit and surmounted by a flying angel blowing a trumpet. This imagery elevates William to a near-divine status, as he was seen as a defender of Protestantism and a champion of Dutch independence against the Catholic French monarchy. The use of symbolism to convey political messages was common in the Dutch Golden Age, a period of great social and economic change. Analyzing an object like this requires us to examine the complex relationships between art, politics, and social identity in the late 17th century. We can consult period documents, political tracts, and visual culture to more fully understand it. Ultimately, this fireback illuminates how art served as a tool for shaping public opinion and reinforcing social hierarchies.