Loire Valley, France

A Period Louis XV (1715-1774) Limestone Mantel from France- Condition: Good antique condition commensurate with age; some chipping to limestone -  Circa 1750  Note:   Back portion of each side includes the thickness of the walls from which it was removed.
During Louis XV’s reign, the grand suites of chilly ceremonial rooms in palaces of the past were replaced by smaller ones that were comfortable, well heated, intimate and elegant.  Mantels and furnishings were on a smaller scale adapting to these smaller rooms or salons.
The shape of this mantel from the side is “ventru” or bulging at the top of a gentle and stylized s-curve, with conforming convex moldings. This rare and elegant Louis XV period mantel will complement any home’s interiors.

The mantel is 65" wide from edge to edge and 56" tall.  It is 26" to the rough surface which could not be built into the previous existing stone wall of the house (18th century stone wall that is 24" thick) so the contracter built the fireplace in front of the wall.  The side of the mantle continues on to the wall another 16".  The front opening is 48" wide x 47" high.  The mantle comes apart in section