Louis XV Rouge Royale Moderate Scale French Marble Mantel

Rich oxblood with white, gray and eggplant veining, this marble mantel was imported from Europe by Danny Alessandro & Edwin Jackson Mantel Company and carved out of rouge royale – a marble characterized by the presence of white calcite veins. 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 epitomizes the emerging design aesthetics of the Louis XV period characterized by curved forms, lightness, and comfort. True to its time period, minimal lines highlight the panels on the vertical supports as well as across the serpentine apron, which features a carved shell with scrolls and leaves at the center. One feature to note: The side panels have round bronze vent covers that open and close to control airflow. This mantel is in very good condition, having some wear consistent with its age. Please allow 3-4 weeks for repair and processing accordingly.