18th Century Louis XV Mantel with Hand Carved Rouge Royale Brown Marble

This large scale mantel is hand carved out of 300 lbs. of rouge royal marble, a marble characterized by the presence of white calcite veins. This mantel was imported from Europe by Danny Alessandro & Edwin Jackson's Mantel Company.

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 Belgian 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."

While rouge royal is typically bright red, this piece is closer to a light umber, adding soul and tone to a room. This piece is ornately carved and in very good condition, having some wear consistent with its age.

One mantel available. Please allow 3-4 weeks for processing.