Styles Fireplace mantel

chimneypiece , overmantel, 1750, victoria & albert museum no. 738:1 3-1897

in renaissance style, chimneypiece of palais de justice @ bruges magnificent example; upper portion, carved in oak, extends whole width of room, life-size statues of charles v , others of royal family of spain. prolific modern designer of chimneypieces g. b. piranesi, in 1765 published large series, on @ later date empire style in france based. in france, finest work of renaissance period found in chimneypieces, of infinite variety of design.

the english chimneypieces of seventeenth century, when purer italian style introduced inigo jones, extremely simple in design, consisting of ordinary mantel piece, classic architraves , shelf, upper part of chimney breast being paneled rest of room. in latter part of century classic architrave abandoned in favor of bolder , more effective molding, in chimneypieces @ hampton court, , shelf omitted.

in eighteenth century, architects returned inigo jones classic type, influenced french work of louis xiv. , xv. figure sculpture, represented graceful figures on each side, assisted carry shelf, introduced, , over-mantel developed elaborate frame family portrait on chimneypiece. towards close of eighteenth century designs of adam brothers superseded others, , century later came again fashion. adam mantels in wood enriched ornament, cast in molds, copied carved wood decoration of old times.

mantels or fireplace mantels can focus of custom interior decoration. mantel traditionally offers unique opportunity architect/designer create personal statement unique room creating. historically mantel defines architectural style of interior decor, whether traditional i.e. classic, renaissance, italian, french, american, victorian, gothic etc.

the choice of material mantel includes such rich materials marble, limestone, granite, or fine woods. luxurious of materials marble. in past finest of rare colored , white marbles used. today many of fine materials no longer available, many other beautiful materials can found world wide. defining element of great mantel design , workmanship.

a mantel offers unique opportunity in design sculptor/artisan demonstrate skill in carving each of fine decorative elements. elements such capitals, moldings, brackets, figurines, animals, fruits , vegetation commonly used decorate mantel. 1 might mantel can encyclopedia of sculpture. more material, quality of carving defines quality of mantel piece highlighting magnificence of room.