Fireplace Plaque Depicting Adam And Eve Under The Tree Of Knowledge "1604"

A rare 17th-century fireplace plaque, dated 1604, in excellent condition and of very fine workmanship. It depicts Adam and Eve beneath the stylized Tree of Knowledge, composed of three leafy branches, from which the tempting serpent, embodied by a dragon, is entwined. They are shown nude, covering their genitals with their hands, beside reclining lions. Three coats of arms of France, two of Lorraine, and two of unknown arms cover almost the entire background. Four bearded male heads and two decorative motifs complete the scene. Its frame features a rope adorned with beadwork, a symbol of protection, a frieze of scrolls formed by joined and clasped hearts, and a cyma molding finely decorated with acanthus leaves arranged in a fan. The plaque was found in Beauzée-sur-Aire in the Meuse department. A slight crack is present. Its weight is 194 kg. Bibliography: CARPENTIER H., Plaques de cheminées, T 1, F. DE NOBELE, Paris, 1912, p. 23, no. 1. You can visit our website: www.claudeaugustin.com