French Antique 17th Century Limestone Fireplace Mantel

A French antique stone fireplace mantel from the 17th century, in pale limestone with shallow decoration in relief across the whole front. Ivory, chalk and soft sand tones run over the face, with dark gray weathering and small rust flecks settled into the open pores. A fine dentil line runs under the rough, softened top edge. The long frieze is centered on a radiating floral medallion with small sprigs either side, and the square end blocks carry matching rosettes. The tapered legs are framed with incised panels, small star-like cuts and long diamond lines.

It measures 58 inches wide, 15 inches deep and 44 1/2 inches high. The opening is 45 inches wide and 37 inches high, with returns of about 11 1/2 inches. Open pores, heavy pitting, rubbed edges and softened corners run across every block, most of all along the shelf and the outer legs.

An antique limestone fireplace with this much surface detail belongs where it can be seen up close: a library, a quiet sitting room, a bedroom. Smooth lime plaster, aged oak and dark iron sit well beside it. This stone fireplace mantel has sold. We usually have similar early French mantels in the yard or on the water; ask and we will send what is current.