French Fireplaces and Surrounds

When we talk of French style, we refer most of all to the reign of Louis XIV whose passion for decoration can hardly be ignored. The palace at Versailles is an icon of awesome opulence, as befitting the tastes of an absolute monarch who regarded himself as a virtual demi-god, the Sun King.

However, the elements of French style which have been translated into British interiors owe rather more to the Rococo movement, than classic French Baroque. Rococo was both the spiritual heir to the Baroque and its enfant terrible, clearly associated through the elaborate lines that characterize these two movements, Rococo was nonetheless effected as a reaction against the formality of the earlier style tending rather towards lightness, even whimsicality.

Rococo Fireplace Design

Influence of French design on the British fireplace is revealed through a number of different features. The mantel surround is lower; it was lowered specifically in order that a larger mirror may be placed above, a Rococo innovation that admitted of a fashion for mirrors that was initiated, perhaps, by Louis XIV who had an entire hall of them installed at Versailles - symbolizing the power of the Sun King.

Other peculiarities include; a mantel shelf that does not overhang; it is deep enough, however, to place ornaments on because the entire structure projects further into the room; prominent jambs, bowing out from underneath the corbels, and curving back into towards the main body of the piece, in a long smooth line, styled in the fashion of a serpentine apron.

Archetypal Features of French Fireplaces

Scrolling is very common, where scrolled extensions of the jambs reach the mantel shelf instead of corbels, and as details on the flanks of the jambs. Where corbels are featured they are extremely decorative, often carved to look like scallop shells or leaves- reminiscent of Corinthian capitals.

The frieze on French fireplaces tends to be quite ornate, either garlanded or following an undulating line. The line curves up and in to the centre from either jamb, moving towards the focal point of the design which is often a highly wrought scallop shell or laurel garland, although there are plainer examples to be found. In most instances the central decorative motif is suspended, forming part of the undulation.

The term Rococo is derived from two words meaning rock and shell respectively, and was said to have taken inspiration from irregular lines and movement in the natural world. Most commonly realised in marble, and especially white marble, these arresting designs are a lasting compromise between luxury and purity.

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