Breche marbles
Breche marbles
Breche marbles are a category of marbles that are of the same composition: the pressure and distortions at the time of the geological formation of the stone created a marble with large elements.
There are many varieties of Breche in a broad range of colors and motifs: Breche de Medous, Breche d’Alep, Breche de Saint-Maximin and yellow Breche de Benou.
Breche marbles are used both in furniture and mantels. The very graphic effect of Breche d'Alep marble for example was greatly appreciated in the 18th century. It is found in many of the beautiful dwellings of the time like in the Chateau of Chantilly.
Photo 1 : Grand Trianon in Versailles, mantel from the Emperor's family living room
Photo 2 : Chateau of Chantilly, Breche d'Alep mantel, XVIIIe
Photo 3 : Detail of a Breche from Montmeyan
Photo 4: Detail of a Breche from Benou
Photo 5 : Detail of a Breche from Alep
Photo 6 : Detail of a Breche from Sarravezza
Photo 7 : Detail of a Breche from Saint-Maximin
Bibliography :
J. Dubarry de Lasalle, Identification des marbres, Ed. H. Vial, Dourdan, 2000J. Dubarry de Lasalle, Utilisation des marbres, Ed. H. Vial, Dourdan, 2005
P. Julien, Marbres, de carrières en palais, ed. Le Bec en l'air, Manosque, 2006
Marmi antichi, ouvrage collectif, ed. De Luca, Rome, 1998
