Style Other / Ref.10047

" Conversion of Saint Hubert", antique cast iron fireback

Dimensions
Width 39'' ⅜ 100cm
Height 31'' ⅛ 79cm

Origin:
Late 19th century

Status:
In very good condition.

This antique fireback was made during the 19th century, following the style of a fireback made during he 16th century (see ref. 10059).
This fireback portrays the conversion of Saint Hubert, the apostle of Ardennes, born around 656.

In his work "Chronic history of the Abbey and the town of Saint-Hubert-en-Ardennes, Mouzon writes: "On a day for festivities, on Good Friday, we believe, he can be found hunting in the forest of Ardennes, he suddenly sees a beautiful stag turning towards him, that the dogs are running towards, and who bears the image of Chirst between the branches and its woods; at the same time he hears a voice saying to him: "Hubert, Hubert, for how long will you follow the animals into the forest; when will this vain passion make you forget your salvation?" Struck by this wonder like a lightning strike, he gets of his horse, bows down before the stag and calls out: "Lord, whatever you want to do, I am ready to obey". "Go, responds the divine voice, go to Maëstricht towards Saint Lambert who will tell you my wishes", and the stag disappeared. Hubert left the palace of Juville and arrived at Maëstricht where saint Lambert told him about the truths of religion. Shortly after, he shut himself away at monastery of Stavelot, where he would not leave from for 7 years, in order to fulfill the pilgrimage of Rome, suggested to him by an angel. During his stay in the capital of the christian world, an angel told Pope Serge the 1st about the martyr of saint Lambert, the angel gave him a cross and ordered him to bless the disciple saint Hubert, who could be found kneeling on the tomb of the prince of apostles. The pope obeyed, recognized Hubert among the crowd of pilgrims and announced God's intentions to him and ordained him bishop. During this ceremony an angel bought the famous stole to Saint Hubert which is know in the church of Saint-Hubert".
In the upper part of this fire back, the angel can be seen holding saint Hubert's miraculous, protective and curing stole.

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