19th Century French Louis XV Rouge Royal Marble Mantel

This mantel was carved in the Louis XV style. Often characterized by sculpted curves in floral patterns, this piece has a unique, deeply carved, scrolled relief at the center of the serpentine apron. Detailed lines highlight the curved panels on the slightly angled vertical supports, and across the apron as well.

Made of Rouge Royale Marble, Rouge Royale is a warm brown marble characterized by the presence of white calcite veins. In his Dictionary of Trade and Industry, Blanqui described this marble with the following: "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."

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.