Large Fleur de Pêche marble and ormolu antique fireplace

Large Fleur de Pêche marble and ormolu antique fireplace
French, 19th Century
Height 121cm, width 188cm, depth 63cm
 
This stunning fireplace combines unusual Fleur de Pêche marble with sculptural ormolu mounts. The fireplace consists of a panelled frieze, below which is the wide serpentine opening. The twin jambs are canted in form, and are supported by footblocks. The use of the historic Fleur de Pêche marble is particularly pleasing: featuring deep veining in a palette of cream, purple, and brown, the marble was highly popular for opulent 19th century design, adorning elite interiors such as the main hall of the Napoleon III apartments in the Louvre.
 
The fireplace is adorned with several ormolu mounts. A large Rococo scallop shell form decorates the centre of the marble frieze, trailed by acanthus leaves. The upper sections of the jambs are applied with female terms, whose bodies dissolve into further acanthus-style forms. The bottom sections also feature gilt-bronze decoration, with further scallop shell designs.
 
The fireplace also features a cast-iron inset, decorated with geometric designs.
 
The fireplace is attributed to the renowned French furniture maker François Linke (1855–1946), working with the designer Léon Messagé (1842-1901), for the ormolu mounts. Their model is clearly inspired by the Rococo-style fireplace in the Council Cabinet in the King’s Apartments at Versaille, which was designed in the late 18th century by Jacques Verberckt (1704-1771) and Jacques Caffiéri (1678-1755). Whilst the deep red marble of the Versailles fireplace has been replaced here by the more temperate Fleur de Pêche marble, the ormolu mounts themselves are almost identical to the ones found in Versailles.
 
This outstanding fireplace remodels a famous piece of 18th century furniture design with 19th century elements, and its fascinating history makes it a true collector’s item.
 
Artist/Maker: François Linke