18th Century Louis XV Rouge Royale Brown Marble Mantel

This piece epitomizes the emerging design aesthetics of Louis XV period characterized by curved forms, lightness, and comfort. As such, the mantel’s serpentine apron is framed by a hand-carved scroll design on either side. The entire piece is carved out of rouge royale – a natural crystalline sedimentary rock with unique shell fragments embedded in a rich sepia background. In his Dictionary of Trade and Industry, Blanqui described this marble as, “This marble with a red background, mixed with white, and sometimes blue, is extracted in the town of Franchimont, near Philippeville, in the province of Namur. In all the Belgium marbles it is the one that was most frequently used in the decoration of monuments: in the palace of Versailles, the Louvre, Palais Royal, and in many other public and private buildings.” This piece was imported from Europe by Danny Alessandro & Edwin Jackson Mantel Company – a fine mantel dealer that specialized in fireplaces and mantels for private clients such as the White House. Please note, one side panel requires restoration prior to purchase. Please allow 4-6 weeks for repair and processing.