Petite French Regency Breche d’Alep Louis XVI Marble Mantel

This French Regency style mantel is carved from sienna Breche d'Alep marble with striking ochre, burgundy, slate gray, and chocolate veining. Breche d'Alep marble is made up of large, rounded fragments of browns, grays, reds, or blacks and was first quarried in France in 1712 as a premier marble. Within a century, the quarries were widely depleted due to their popularity. As a result, this marble is quite rare today. A pattern of deeply carved fluting runs the length of the apron. Above each jamb is a deeply carved floral motif, embedded in a square frame. Deeply carved fluting runs down each leg, becoming cabled above each plinth. The shelf is finished with an ogee edge.

An early to mid 19th century Louis XVI style piece, this piece epitomizes "Louis Seize", a style of architecture, furniture, decoration, and art just before the French Revolution. Designs in this style hearkened back to the purity and grandeur of the art of the Ancient Greeks, displayed here through the columnar effect of the prominent fluting throughout the piece.

This antique mantel was one of several pieces imported from Europe to furnish the historic Waldorf Astoria Hotel in NYC, which opened on October 1, 1931. This mantel is original to Suite M on the 9th floor. A Waldorf Astoria authenticity card is included with your purchase.
Pictured still installed at the Waldorf Astoria, kindly confirm the condition before purchasing. Located at our Scranton Warehouse, please allow 3-4 weeks for processing.