Renaissance Period (16th Cty) Stone Carved Fireplace, Anthropomorphic Pilars

HAUTE EPOQUE

Rare and superb Renaissance-era stone carved fireplace, composed of six separate and cohesive elements (all from the same fireplace):

*Two cubic bases, the fronts of which feature grimacing grotesque heads
*Two anthropomorphic pillars depicting a man and a woman in classical style, their busts resting on pedestals
*Two menacîng lions bases , their forepaws resting on a shield

(The lintel, which was originally stone, is missing, but it can easily be replaced with a wooden lintel from the same period, the length of which can be chosen to fit the desired width of an existing hearth. This is assuming, of course, that a matching stone lintel cannot be found!)

Its dimensions stay relatively reasonable for this type of 16th-century architectural element, making it easy to integrate into a characterful interior.

The anthropomorphic pillars are 97cm high, to which must be added 31cm for the bases and 37cm for the corbels capping the two pillars, for a total height of approximately 1.70m excluding the lintel.


The bases are 29cm deep, the pillars 30cm, and the corbels range from 30cm (at the base) to 68cm at the projecting top. The pillars are between 24cm (bases) and 19cm (corbels, 18cm for the jambs).

It's amusing to note the expression on the lady's face, who doesn't seem particularly pleased to be there! The exact same composition is found in two other architectural elements sold at auction very recently, with the same poses (please check the last photo).

These historical elements are rare to find, especially in their current condition, without restoration or breakage (which is common during dismantling).
The limestone is very dense and heavy (total weight around 300 kg?), and its uniform gray patina is certainly due to its age and daily use over the centuries.

A superb piece just waiting for a restoration project underway to join a noble building!






HAUTE EPOQUE

Rare and superb Renaissance-era stone carved fireplace , consisting of 6 separate and homogeneous elements (indeed originating from the same fireplace):

*2 cubic bases whose front façade depicts grimacing grotesque heads
*2 anthropomorphic jambs depicting a classical-style bust of a man and a woman on shafts
*2 corbels in the shape of threatening lions resting their front paws on a shield

(The lintel, which was originally supposed to be stone, is missing, but it can easily be replaced with a wooden lintel from the same period, and its length can be chosen to fit the desired width of the existing hearth. Failing that, obviously, no corresponding stone element has been found!)

Its dimensions stay relatively reasonable for this type of 16th-century architectural element, making it easy to fit into a character-filled interior.
The anthropomorphic pilars measure 97 cm height, to which 31 cm for the bases and 37 cm for The corbels capping the 2 pillars, for a total height of approximately 1.70 m excluding the lintel.

The bases then are 29 cm , jambs 30 cm, and corbels from 30 (seat) to 68 cm for the projecting upper part. We pillars between 24 cm (bases) and 19 cm (corbels, 18 for the jambs). It is amusing to notice Madame's facial expression, who does not seem particularly pleased to be there! The exact same composition is found in 2 other architectural elements sold at auction very recently, with the same postures (see the last photo). These historical elements are rare to find, especially in their current condition, without restoration or breakage (common during their dismantling). The limestone is very dense and heavy (total weight around 300 kg approximately?), and its homogeneous gray patina certainly due to its age and daily use over the centuries. A superb element waiting for an ongoing restoration project in order to reach a noble building!!