Fontainbleu Fireplace

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An imposing marble fire surround of 18th century design in the French style, featuring carved rosettes on the corner blocks above console jambs headed by Acanthus leaf carvings and incorporating carved wreath and trailing foliage to the frieze. Shown with Cliveden fire basket and slate hearth

The Fontainbleu is a perfect example of a French marble fireplace; lower than its English counterpart, without the overhanging mantel shelf, but projecting further into the room as a whole, so the shelf is nonetheless very capacious. The category French, in the architectural or design vernacular, generally refers to the Baroque taste of Louis XIV, or the lighter Rococo style associated with his great-grandson, Louis XV. This piece illustrates the French love of lavish decoration. The jambs are refined by some exquisite carving; recessed panelling and delicate beading, capped by a pair of thick acanthus consoles. Above the acanthus at either end of the entablature are two square floral motifs; the forms and figures of the natural world being a great inspiration to Rococo designers.