LOUIS XV STYLE CARRARA MARBLE FIREPLACE SURROUND

French, c.1850

An antique nineteenth-century Louis XV-style Rococo Carrara marble fireplace surround, the elaborately shaped and stepped marble shelf sitting atop a frieze centred by a cartouche composed of scallop shell, campanula flowers and acanthus fronds, the s-scroll opening leading to out-turned scroll jambs with further scallop shells and foliate carving, the jamb returns panelled, boldly carved throughout in deep relief.

A superior example of its type with exceptional detailing, particularly noted in the fine carving on the central motifs.

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  • This attractive surround embodies many of the motifs of the Rococo movement which emerged in France in the 1720s as a reaction to the more severe Baroque that preceded it; the soft curves of the shelf, frieze and jambs, the naturalistic motifs of the foliage adorned scallop shell and the ornate detailing throughout which embellishes many of these parts. The French mid-nineteenth century Rococo Revival (during which period this chiminée was made) was a nostalgic longing for the whimsy and extravagance of the previous century and a reaction against the industrialisation of the then-current day.

  • Width 66” / 167.5cm 

    Height 42¼ ” / 107.5cm 

    Depth 16 ” / 40.5cm 

    Opening height 35” / 89cm 

    Opening width 48½” / 123.5cm 

    Width at base   64½ ” / 164cm