Antique Louis XVI Limestone Fireplace Mantel From Beaune, France, Circa 1785

Description

Hand-carved in five sections, this limestone fireplace mantel hails from the commune of Beaune, in eastern France. Dating to about … more Hand-carved in five sections, this limestone fireplace mantel hails from the commune of Beaune, in eastern France. Dating to about 1785, the carvings are definitively period Louis XVI, most noticeably the center trophy medallion and the sinuous, triglyph legs. The limestone has a lovely cream color with a mottling of green and black patina. The rear portion of the legs have been left rough cut, as these were originally inserted into the wall to anchor the mantel.

In the center of the lintel is a Neoclassical trophy of a quiver of arrows crossing over a lit torch, tied together by a ribbon. A partial floral wreath can be seen beneath and the entire grouping is flanked by horizontal rectangles. Both ends have been adorned with a leaf that curls upwards towards a protruding molding at the top of the lintel. The ogee legs have a rectangular embellishment at the top, positioned above Doric-style fluting with three channels. Our Louis XVI mantel from Beaune will make a fantastic surround for a fireplace in just about any style house. less