Antique Louis XV Rouge Royale Marble Serpentine Mantel with Cast Iron Insert

Rich oxblood with white, gray and eggplant veining, this marble mantel was 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, versus the more formal, box-like furniture of the preceding Louis XIV. True to its time period, this mantel features a serpentine apron highlighted by scroll-like carvings across the jambs and lintel. The mantel is in good condition, having some wear consistent with its age. The cast iron surround, however, is not original, and does not match exactly to the serpentine curves and width of the firebox opening. Located at our Scranton Warehouse. Please allow 3-4 weeks for processing.