Large Oak antique mantel with Hood from a Chateau - wood

Description

This exceptional Neo-Renaissance style mantel was in the Chateau Péclavé in the town of Samazan in the Aquitaine region. The castle belonged to the De Dieu de Samazan family and came into the possession of the Merle de Massonneau family by inheritance, Marie-Thérèse Josèphe De Dieu having married in 1880, Simon Merle de Massonneau d’Aiguillon. The coat of arms of the Merle de Massonneau family is carved on the arched overmantel. The shield has three geometrical motifs a fess, a square, a circle and a triangle, considered by some to be Greek letters. The blazon’s crest bears a count’s crown, a helm with a hackle and a banner engraved with the words “MONTJOYE St DENIS”. The blazon is supported by winged lions standing in profile and carved in strong relief. On either side are shields, swords, lances and halberds. Laurel leaves complete the composition. Such use of wood and of a large decorative motif above the mantel evokes the Renaissance style. The jambs are fluted columns carved in the round with a very unusual design of a carved rounded base. They rise up to capitals of mixed orders, adorned with acanthus leaves and volutes. The consoles above are garnished with square rosettes, which are characteristic of the Louis XVI style. Richly carved, this mantel is of the highest quality and is a rare work of art.