Louis XIV style red Griotte marble mantel with acroterion - marble

Description

Typical of the reign of Louis XIV, this mantel is representative of the Bolection style with a thick molding running along the hearth opening and the sculpted spandrels above. The mantel rises up into the shape of an acroterion, an architectural motif much used in Antiquity. This type of classical element was in fashion in the time of Louis XIV and very occasionally used in the 19th century, making this mantel a rare piece.
The marble used here is called Griotte red marble, named after a deep red sour cherry called Griotte.