Pair of Figural Painted Dummy Boards of Children, England, Late 19th Century. Note: Painted panels such as these were placed in front of fireplaces during the warmer months in the 18th and 19th centuries as hearth decorations, so that one would not have to look into a dark and dirty fireplace that wasn't in use.

Provenance: Sotheby's New York; De-accessioned from the Art Institute of Chicago. Size: 46 inches tall x approximately 12 inches wide x 5 inches deep. Condition: In overall good antique condition with age appropriate wear and tear; typical minor losses to paint finish (especially at edges) and wear to wooden bases. Museum Label to the back of one board reads: "One pair of unusual and unique English fire-screens. Carved of wood and painted with figures of a youth and maiden, attired in quaint 18th century costume. The boy holds a dog in his arms and the girl a basket with flowers. Size 3'10" high and 12"wide. P.W. French -1927 - RAI" Also with what appears to be Museum Accession numbers to the base of each figure: "1984.69" and "1984.70"