Antique large white marble fireplace, French 19th century

Antique large white marble fireplace, French 19th century
French, 19th Century
Height 140cm, width 185cm, depth 51cm
 
This incredible piece of marble furniture is superbly carved in the Louis XVI style. The apron is centred with a high-relief mask: the applied sunflower headpiece as well as the surrounding sun decoration likely marks the figure as the Greek sun god Helios (often linked to Apollo). The head sits within a decorated winged cartouche, while the side panels feature floral and foliate motifs also in impressive high relief. The side panels are bordered with a beaded design, and the below surround features dentil moulding.
 
The frieze decoration is complemented by the jambs, carved in the form of figurative busts that mirror the form of the central mask. The terms wear impressive floral crowns, and their bodies taper into fluted Ionic columns applied with further foliate motifs.
 
The entire composition is formed of brilliant white Carrara marble, which evokes the grandeur of classical sculpture. Likewise, both the jambs and the frieze are carved with immense sculptural skill that speaks to the skills of the fireplace’s makers.
 
This fantastic piece would bring the majesty of 19th century France to the appropriate interior space.