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Style Napoleon III / Ref.5200

Carved Napoleon III style mantelpiece with chimeras in Carrara marble

Dimensions
Width 74''   188cm
Height 45'' ⅝  116cm
Depth: 15'' ¾  40cm
Inner width: 44'' ⅛  112cm
Inner height: 31'' ⅞  81cm

Origin:
19th century.

Status:
Good condition.

This Napoleon III style mantelpiece was created in Carrara marble in the 19th century. The centre of the lintel is adorned with a large plant pattern surrounding a stylized drawing of a flower. On both sides is a Greek frieze. The prominent ornamental parts are underlined by a frieze of water leaves on the cornice. A hybrid creature is depicted on the jambs, embracing the architectural structure of the mantelpiece: this fantastic animal has a fierce lion’s head, combined with the wings and claws of an eagle. It could be a chimera to which these elements have been added. It fits harmoniously into the lines of a console that ends in a volute at the top and has its own decorative elements, such as the acorn hanging from the bottom. The hearth is decorated with a frieze of oves.

The decorative elements chosen to adorn this mantel combine a geometric rigour inherited from the Neoclassical style (with the decorative friezes) with a greater sense of fantasy in the angular sculptures. These do not refer to any specific Greek or Roman mythological figure, but rather demonstrate an original decorative invention. Although the Mesopotamian god Anzu has the head of a lion and the body of an eagle, he does not appear to have been a model in this case. A highly original onyx mantel created for the Hôtel de la Païva in 1856-1865 and adorned with winged lionesses is similar to ours, despite slight differences which demonstrate the creativity in the decorative arts in the 19th century.

This fireplace is sold without any fireplace insert nor marble floor but could be made to order .