19th Century Louis XIV Style Gray Marble Mantel

This light gray marble mantel was hand-carved in the Louis XIV style which was intended to glorify The Sun King and his reign. During this same period, the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture was established, and the school’s artists were encouraged to celebrate military success, majesty and cultural achievements of the King through painting and sculpture. As such, symbols of majesty, harmony and regularity were worked into pieces via trophies, helmets, or oak leaves symbolizing victory. This large-scale mantel has exceptionally deep side panels and there is an open space behind the shelf to surround the chimney wall. The striking center motif is a carving of a lion’s head atop a man’s face. This mantel is decorated with carved raised panels on the front and sides of the surround, along with a serpentine firebox opening. Angled corbels and acanthus leaves adorn the front of the surround, while the corner motifs feature miniature flowers between fluted openings. This is a very unique and large scale marble fireplace surround. Imported from Europe by Danny Alessandro & Edwin Jackson Mantel Company – fine mantel dealers specializing in pieces for private clients, this mantel is in very good condition with wear consistent with its age. Please allow 3-4 weeks for processing.