Carved Fireplaces and Mantels

This 19th century fireplace mantel (fireplace) is from the Burgundy region near Clos Vougeot in France. It has very rich and exquisite carving making it quite distinctive. A fine Art...

A carved giltwood and marble chimneypiece in the style of Thomas Johnson (1714–1778), an English designer and master carver. With foliate c-scrolls, lozenges and a scored ground, the...

An impressive, large scale George III carved wooden chimneypiece, circa 1800. This spectacular antique fire surround is beautifully handcarved throughout, featuring acanthus leaf and...

One of a kind, bespoke antique Belgian fireplace surround with a history in Grey St-Anne marble. The mantel was installed in the Chateau de Neerijse of the Family de Béthune de Overs...

A 19th century French Louis XV style chimneypiece carved from Breche d’Alep marble. The frieze with central shell detail and foliage, panelled curved jambs with plinths and carved sc...

Rare brutalist ensemble of hard limestone blocks for a bespoke wabi fireplace wall. The blocks can be cut to measure. It is rare to find raw blocks in t...

Antique fireplace in gray stone, hand carved with various figures of birds, flowers and putti, very rich in decorations, with shields and lilies in the corners, it comes from an anci...

Stunning stone fireplace surround of 19th-century French minimalistic Louis philip design. Sculpted in bicolor hard stone, it showcases natural variations in earthy tones that enhanc...

Fire original antique fireplace surround with a nice patina in red color hard stone of the 19th century. This is a perfect decorative element for a rustic, cosy room. Measures: 140 c...

A original fine French Carrara marble vintage fireplace mantle which has no restoration. The Pompadour style was the perfect bedroom style in ...

Step back in time with our Antique French Carrara Marble Fireplace, a true gem that reflects the elegance of days gone by. The Carrara marble gives this fireplace a timeless splendor, and the beautiful cast iron insert adds a chic detail that enhances the classic look. This fireplace is not only a functional element for warmth, but also a stylish addition to any interior. Every detail is carefully crafted to ensure a sophisticated look. Add a touch of French charm to your space with this antique fireplace, where classic design and timeless beauty come together in perfect harmony. fireplace The antique fireplaces on my website have been fully restored and are available from stock. Transport and installation is made easier because the chimneys are already pre-assembled. Antique fireplaces are cleaned and re-waxed in marble, this ensures that the fireplace regains its original deep luster. This maintenance-free marble wax also provides the fireplace with a dirt and water-repellent layer. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Renzo van...

Antique 19th century Louis XVI French Rouge and Carrara marble fireplace mantel. Beautifully veined marble fireplace mantel creates a f...

A bespoke surround in Irish Kilkenny marble, typical of the early 19th century with moulded panels to Jambs and frieze, carved roundel end blocks and s...

Small antique stone fireplace for BBQ built-in in a kitchen or square firebox. The mantel is carved from a beautiful textured French hard stone with some fossil details, giving it a ...

A very Fine and rare French 19th century Louis XV style giltwood carved Vernis Martin Stylefl fireplace screen. The rectangular carved giltwood panel surmounted with four circular oil paintings...

Fabulous 18th century Belgian antique fireplace surround. A small Black Belgian marble and Belgian Ardenne marble jewel in great condition. One of a kind original fireplace surround ...

18th Century French classic statement fireplace from Paris. The limestone has the original colour. Louis XVI style for timeless high-end interior design creation. Measurements: 142 c...

This is very small French country limestone fireplace surround from the Louis XV period. A delicate surround with great authentic patina and which was installed in a wood pannel...

An enormous and grand antique walnut chimneypiece in the neoclassical style. The frieze elaborately carved with three pairs of sea serpents alternating with flambeau urns and scallop...

A very well proportioned 19th Century manner lightly veined Statuary marble bullseye fireplace surround. A reeded top self sits directly ab...

A state of the art antique mantle in Gris St-Anne marble from the Louis XVI period transition, 18th century. The fronton and jambs are decorated with its original bijouterie in bras...

Antique French limestone fireplace, datin from the 18th century. Inside dimensions : 144cm wide & 124cm high Depth : 26cm (upperpart) / 75 cm (side)

This is a French Country side LXIII period limestone antique fireplace mantel. This piece was standing against a doorway on the right side. Shelf can be added on demand. It still ha...

Rare Gothic Castle Limestone Chimney Mantle Chateau Fireplace Hand Carved Stone . A real museum / Chateau Manor mantel fireplace piece. Perfect for a R...

This stone mantel from the Louis XV period is distinguished by its rich decoration, borrowing from the ornamental vocabulary of the Rocaille style. The mantel's trumeau is also very ...

Phenomenal fireplace surround from the free mason compagnon in bicolor burgundy hard stone. The carving is very fine and very unusual. Measures: 142.5 cm EW 56.10", 112 cm EH...

This antique fireplace surround in Burgundy reddish marble stone has a naive rustic touch. Waxing can make this piece having a richer look, more to porfire. The legs are very elegant...

An Irish antique fireplace from the Regency period in Italian Carrara and Siena marbles. The jambs with demi lune reeded panels on book matched...

A dominant 19th century chimneypiece carved entirely in Portoro Nero marble. The extraction of this extravagant marble began at the time of the Roman Empire and is still quarried to ...

A fine 19th century French petite Bourguignon original hard stone/limestone fireplace surround. Elegant and small for a timeless minimalistic interior with a smooth surface. Measur...

21st Century Victorian Carved Corbel Marble Fireplace Mantlepiece. Hand Carved From Italian Statuary White Marble Made In England. Based On A Late Victorian Early Edwardian Design. S...

This original vintage marble fireplace surround is one of a collection of 4 that was reclaimed out of a Brussels great Maison de Mait...

Museum quality and impressive hard stone fireplace surround from the end of the Louis XIV period with warm and nice patina. Measures: 155 cm EW 61.02". 124 cm EW+ 48.81"...

A Highly Important Empire Period Rosso Antico Chimneypiece Inset with Specimen Marble Portrait Reliefs of Roman Emperors The carved and veneered surround comprising a moulded shelf supported by a bold dentil cornice, above an inverted breakfront frieze carved with a central triglyph panel, flanked by a pair of rosettes carved in shallow relief, the frieze mounted with six carved hardstone profile portrait medallions of Roman Emperors, the stop-fluted jambs raised on moulded footblocks; in excellent condition with small restorations commensurate with age and use; the pale inclusions in the stone naturally formed. This spectacular neoclassical marble chimneypiece is carved from Rosso antico, the frieze inset with six portrait reliefs of Roman Emperors, each carved in marmo giallo on a bardiglio background, five variously incised: VESPASIANUS, TIBERIVS, OTHO, JULIUS CAESAR, TITUS. Rosso antico (marmor taenarium) is first recorded as being quarried in 1700 BC at Akra Tainaron (Cape Matapan), Greece.¹ The majority of this stone, however, was extracted throughout the Roman period, when it was one of the most coveted materials for carving due to its rich red colouring and association with highly prized Egyptian ‘Imperial’ Porphyry.² Rosso antico was chosen in antiquity for portrait busts, notably depicting Bacchic subjects such as Dionysus and satyrs due to its rich red wine colour which symbolised conviviality whilst conveying the education and cultivated taste of the owner.³ In the Renaissance, Rosso antico was also used for architectural detail on important buildings, such as the steps leading up to the choir in the medieval church of S. Prassede, and the large columns at the entrance to the Camera dell'Aurora.⁴ In 121 AD, G. Suetonius Tranquillus, secretary to Emperor Hadrian, wrote a biographical history of the first twelve emperors of Rome entitled De vita Caesarum (The Twelve Caesars). A Renaissance edition of Tranquillus’ work was published in 1470, followed by further reprints and translations into all the main European languages. Many of these were illustrated with prints of emperors taken from coins and statues, or imagined by the artist based on Tranquillus’ accounts. These interpretations were copied, in turn, by Renaissance designers for medals, Limoges enamels, and busts, as well as paintings such as the Eleven Caesars, a series of eleven half-length portraits of Roman emperors made by Titian in 1536–40 for Federico II, Duke of Mantua.⁵ These paintings were later given to King Charles I, before being passed in the Commonwealth to the Kings of Spain. Unfortunately, the series was destroyed in the catastrophic fire of 1734 at the Royal Alcazar of Madrid, and is now only known through copies and engravings.⁶ From the middle of the 17th century until the end of the 18th century, there was an insatiable demand for marble carvings, often sold as Roman or assembled from ancient fragments, thus perpetuating the reverence for antiquity that was the quintessence of the Grand Tour. Rosso antico was in extremely short supply, even after the ancient quarries at Skutari were rediscovered in 1830, and remained one of the most highly valued of all stones. Described in 1776 as ‘dark red; scarce and dear’, it was mostly used for small objects such as Grand Tour desk ornaments, inevitably using material re-cut from classical fragments, due to its rarity, as was the case with porphyry.⁷ The portrait roundels on this chimneypiece are typical of those produced in Rome and Florence in hardstones, semi-precious stones, gold, silver, bronze, and mother-of-pearl, which, being easily transportable, would be taken home from the Grand Tour to be mounted within wooden, gilded or brass frames, as fashion dictated.⁸ A group of gold portraits of Caesars, dating from around 1660, are in the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence. Images of Roman emperors were not limited to Italy, England and France, however, as examples executed in Deshima for the Dutch East India Company (Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie) show. Medallions depicting Roman emperors, invariably made of black and gold Japanese hiramakie or takamakie lacquer on copper, were produced for the Dutch market at the end of the 18th century. Examples can be found in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.⁹ There are two possible sources for the Imperial profiles on the chimneypiece: the engravings of The Twelve Caesars by Marcantonio Raimondi, or the Imperatorum Imagines by Hubert Golz.¹⁰ The portrait medallions also bear remarkable resemblance to a set of eighteen carved portrait reliefs of Roman Emperors, also of marmo giallo, almost certainly bought by David Ker (1742–1811) of Portavo, Co. Down, on his Grand Tour between 1792–4 in either Florence or Rome. Ker’s diary entry for 17th October 1793 is interesting as it reveals that he was offering his brother a choice of chimneypiece designs, which further supports a Roman origin for the offered example.¹¹ Indeed, fire surrounds incorporating antique fragments had been promoted from the late 1760s by Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720–78), encouraged by Rome-trained architects including Robert Adam (d.1792). One such example, inset with mythological tablets carved from Rosso antico, was acquired by the 9th Earl of Exeter from Piranesi himself for Burghley House.¹² Another can be found at Islington House, Dorset.¹³ A third, inset with giallo antico and Rosso antico, follows Piranesi’s engraved design dated 1769 for a fire surround mounted with three marble portrait reliefs.¹⁴ It should be re-emphasised that Rosso antico was so precious that it was only ever used for small tablets or details rather than an entire chimneypiece, as with the offered example; likewise, while portrait reliefs are occasionally seen on the jambs of Italian surrounds, it is exceptionally rare to see the frieze mounted with a group, especially of this scale: the combination indicates an architectural commission by an extremely wealthy patron. The sophisticated lines of this chimneypiece epitomise the French Empire influence on the Italian states at the turn of the 18th century. This idiosyncratic ‘Roman’ taste is encapsulated by that of Napoleon, who identified with Rome’s Imperial past. Napoleon’s desire to establish a visual link between himself and Roman emperors is demonstrated by the portraits of his court painter, Jacques-Louis David, inspired by portraits of Emperor Augustus. This Imperial taste extended to architecture, furniture and porcelain, the latter two of which are combined in a group of magnificent ormolu-mounted guéridons commissioned in Sèvres between 1803–11, made to immortalise Napoleon’s reign.¹⁵ The second guéridon in the series, the Table des Grands Capitaines (Table of the Great Commanders of Antiquity), commissioned in 1806, is made almost entirely of hard-paste Sèvres porcelain. The top, painted in imitation of sardonyx, is centred by a portrait cameo of Alexander the Great, surrounded by twelve smaller heads of commanders and philosophers from antiquity: Pericles, Scipio Africanus, Pompey, Augustus, Septimus Severus, Constantine, Trajan, Caesar, Mithridates, Hannibal, Themistocles and Miltiades.¹⁶ Louis XVIII presented the table to the Prince Regent (later King George IV) in 1817 as a token of appreciation for Napoleon’s defeat two years earlier, and George IV treasured it so highly that it became part of the ceremonial backdrop for all his state portraits. The table remains in the Royal Collection.¹⁷ This chimneypiece remained, until recently, in the possession of a noble Dutch family, who acquired it from the owners of a bombed Knightsbridge house in the 1940s; unfortunately, its provenance prior to this has been lost. The use of Rosso antico on this scale, inset with these splendid Imperial profile medallions, appears unparalleled. 1. J. B. Grossman, 'Looking at Greek and Roman Sculpture in Stone' (Los Angeles, 2003). Grossman states that this material was ‘...quarried in three places during antiquity: on Cape Tainaron present day Matapan on the Peloponnese of Greece; on Crete; and at the site of Iasos in Asia Minor. 2. L. Lazzarini, ‘Rosso antico and other red marbles used in antiquity: a characterization study’, Marble, Art Historical and Scientific Perspectives on Ancient Sculpture’ (1990), 237–252. C. Gorgoni, L. Lazzarini, P. Pallante, ‘New archaeometric data on Rosso antico and other red marbles used in antiquity, ASMOSIA VI, Interdisciplinary Studies on Ancient Stone’ (2002), pp. 199–206. J. Deér, trans. G.A. Gilhoff, The Dynastic Porphyry Tombs of the Norman Period in Sicily (Cambridge, 1959), p. 144. R. Gnoli, Marmora Romana (Rome, 1988), pp. 187–191. 3. A notable example is a satyr from the Emperor Hadrian's villa at Tivoli, now in the Capitoline Museum, Rome. Another is the head of a satyr in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, accession no. 2006.110. See T. Opper, Hadrian. Empire and Conflict (London, 2008), p. 165, fig. 149. 4. De Luca, Marmi antichi (Rome, 1998), p. 126. Faustino Corsi, Catalogo ragionato d’una collezione di pietre di decorazione (Rome, 1833), p. 93. 5. For related Limoges medallions, see set of ten circular Limoges enamel medallions depicting Roman emperors, en grisaille with gilding, from the workshop of Jacques I Laudin, sold Christie’s London, Fine Renaissance Bronzes and Works of Art, 19 December, 1977, lot 95. 6. See set of drawings sold Sotheby’s London, Of Royal and Noble Descent, 24 February, 2015, lot 184. 7. J. J. Ferber, Raspe’s Travels through Italy in the Years 1771–1772 (London, 1776), p. 218. 8. See Sotheby’s London, Pelham, the Public and the Private, 8 March 2016, lot 75: ‘A set of twelve mother-of-pearl cameos of Roman Emperors, Southern Italian, early 19th century’ 9. Oliver Impey, Christiaan J.A. Jörg, Cynthia Viallé, Japanese Export Lacquer 1580–1850 (Amsterdam, 2005) pp. 48–57, no. 56 & 57. 10. For a further reference, see the candlesticks by Jacques I Laudin in the Waters Art Gallery, illustrated in P. Verdier, Catalogue of the Painted Enamels of the Renaissance (Baltimore, 1967), p. 389, nos. 207 & 208. 11. John Ingamells, A Dictionary of British and Irish travellers in Italy 1701–1800 (London, 1997), pp. 572–3. 12. Oliver Impey, Four Centuries of Decorative Arts from Burghley House (Virginia, 1998), p. 53, fig. 23. 13. Country Life, 12 June, 1997, p. 162, figs. 9–11. 14. A. González-Palacios, Il Tempio del Gusto, Roma e il Regno delle due Sicilie, Vol. II (Milan, 1984), pp. 592–93, p. 260. 15. S. Grandjean, 'Napoleonic Tables...

French Art Nouveau white carrara marble mantelpiece. Depth: 16? – 40.6 cm External height: 43 1/2” – 110.4 cm External width: 60? – 152.4 cm In...

An elegant and rare model of a Regency period fireplace, in Dove Grey Italian Bardiglio marble. Its simple architectural lines, very much in the manner of Sir John Soane. The slim pl...

This is one of a kind fireplace surround in Carrara marble was made by special order for the Castle of Fontainebleau. The identical but in grey mantel was ...

A well drawn and superb quality English Regency fireplace in Italian Bardiglio marble. The paneled console jambs with anthemion carving to fr...

Antique fireplace surround in the bespoke Royal Saracolin marble. Once installed in a Parisian appartement it is perfect for a grand interior or even a contemporary interior design w...

Antique Oak Mirrored Fireplace Mantle with Classical Carved Columns and Original Finish, c1900 Measures- 86.25''H x 60''W x 10.5''D; 35.5'' x 38.25...

An antique English Jacobean revival oak mantlepiece with original dark finish. This tall and well proportioned wooden fireplace with original bevelled glass mirror is profusely carve...

Very impressive moulded bolection fireplace in French limestone. This limestone is called "Buxy" and comes from the area of Beaune in France. The moulding, dimensions and ratio are ...

Antique Mantle Fireplace, from the Empire period in white Carrara marble, Front carved with musical instruments, lyre and legs with columns, hand carved, original from the 19th centu...

A large William IV period fireplace in Belgian black marble. The plain pilaster jambs with a carved split corbel bracket, simple frieze and plain deep and wide shelf. Executed in gen...

French castle fireplace surround in colourful hard-stone. This kind of stone was also used in the hotel Château de Gilly, near Dijon. Elegant and original French decorative object fo...

Gorgeous 18th century period mantelpiece in French stone with a polished finish. It features intricate carvings, including shell scroll motifs, especially in the central panel and up...

21st Century Nero Portoro Marble Bullseye Surround. The Georgian Design Has Been Faithfully Reproduced From Antique Nero Portoro Marble. With Hand Carved Demi Lune Panels To Its Cent...

This is a extra fine sculpted chimney piece of the French regency period, 1st half of the 18th century. The Royal Saracolin marble was used in many luxury decors of that time period....

An elegant 19th century Victorian style statuary marble corbel fireplace surround. A finely carved reeded top shelf sits above a recessed panel...

Antique monumental fireplace, of great value and great size, in beige stone carved entirely by hand, wavy legs and protruding hat with large molure, built in the late 1500s / early 1...

A Noir de Mazy en Onyx marble combination vintage fireplace surround from the Louis Phillipe period, 19th century. Measures: 130 cm exterior width 51.18 inch 105 cm exterior heigh...

Medieval stone fireplace from the south of France. Unique fireplace surround for timeless authentic slow-living interior design project. Exceptional artempo wear and condition. This ...

Stunning firescreen with a famous earth angle, two famous saint paintings and more. With meaningful 'religious art' from centuries-past being one of our specialities we were amazed, not only to find this rare and marvelous fire screen, but also because of its excellent condition. But then again, we think we see that more often, because true beauty, quality and meaningful antiques radiate something that was already there when it was created. This 'something' commands respect and this is why most people take very good care of very special pieces. Since much of what we know now about Christianity and about monastic life in its various 'forms' was given shape since the life of Christ, but possibly mostly so in Gothic / Medieval times, much of this is expressed in European Gothic Art of the past circa 8 centuries. This rare and beautiful fire screen from the early 1800s, which can also be used as a small room divider or a unique work of (decorative) art, is one of those unique Gothic antiques. The hand-carved knight sculptures are 'fun' and meaningful at the same time, because one of them looks a little desperate and the other looks more at piece and in prayer. The hand-carved winged angel in the middle/ on top seems to be overlooking this 'Gesamtkunstwerk'. What makes this antique really stand out and what also makes it complete are the three hand-painted panels inside this screen. Each of the figures portrayed here have dedicated their lifes to doing good, giving love and hope and thus healing people. In the centre is a glorious painting (in medieval style) of Earth Angel St. Raphael and the boy Tobias. The lady Saint on the right, we feel, is Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231) and the Saint on the left, we feel, is either Francis de Sales...

This one of a kind antique fireplace surround was made out of a burgundy hard stone and reflects an Italian style. Measures; 151 cm EW 59,45" 117 cm EH 46,06" 123 cm IW 48,42" ...

A large and impressive 19th century style Statuary marble corbel fireplace surround. A deep shelf with ovolo edge moulding rests above a recessed cushion panelled frieze, flanked by ...

Very unique antique fireplace surround in Campan Vert and Rouge Griotte marble from the Louis XIV period, 18th century. This kind of marble was exported a ...

This antique fireplace from the 19th century is made from oak. The curved and graceful lines strewn throughout the piece are a classic attribute of the Louis XV style. Carvings of th...

This original fireplace surround in French Burgundy Rose liseron hardstone, sometimes called French burgundy marble since a lot of historical landmarks carry this kind of hard stone. Used by Belgian interior decorator Gert Voorjans...