This is a very important 19th century (Circa 1820) French Empire Siena marble fireplace with elaborate ormolu enrichments to frieze and jambs. The fluted columns are surmounted by ormolu Corinthian capitals supporting shelf with egg and dart detail. In the opening there are the original cast iron interiors with the Napoleonic emblem of bees with which the Emperor is traditionally associated.
This fireplace is originally from the French embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Siena marble is the famous egg-yolk marble of Italy. This beautiful stone has been used extensively throughout Italy since the 16th century and can also be seen further afield. Such instances include 24 columns of Giallo Siena marble in the court chamber of the United States Supreme Court1 in Washington, D.C and the rich marble decoration of the Birmingham Oratory2 in England.
Amongst all the natural stones it is perhaps only beaten by the sporadically quarried Giallo Antico of Tunisia when it comes to the rich translucent golden yellow colouring. The best cuts of Siena can most definitely hold parity with any cut of Giallo Antico marble.
The best blocks of Siena marble have been extracted from Montarrenti in the Montagnola Senese Mountains, near the town of Sovicille. Monochrome yellow stone has always been the most highly prized of the Siena marbles and can be dark or pale yellow.
Siena marble can be used in a variety of settings including gold marble tiles, columns, luxury marble coffee tables and other items of furniture. For a luxury item such as a gold marble dining table, Siena is one of the very best materials to choose.
For centuries, the golden colours present in this stone have been associated with luxury and wealth. These characteristics combined with the unique patterning of Giallo Siena marble will give all who make use of this stone in their projects an exclusive expression of warmth and prestige.
To find out more about this piece please visit our website where you can view it & many other rare & unusual marbles.