Light shaft grille

Pilsen(?), Bohemia, around 1600

Malleable iron. Entwined round bars connected with loops and clasps surround the main central vertical axis with ornamentation, with individual scrolls of foliage issuing from the vase and individual bars terminating in forged flat leaves and mascarons or coiling into cone finials. The grille is riveted and clasped to a solid wrought frame of flat bands.

H: 49 cm / W: 103.5 cm

UMP 3224

Early Renaissance grilles were made of simple round bars which were clasped together or threaded through each other. Typical ornamental elements included acinaciform leaves, fruits, human and animal heads, flat flowers, and spirals. The spirals are not pointed or crested, as these are features which typified the later period. This light shaft grille was originally located at house no. 163 on Bedřich Smetana Street.