1980s Italian Renaissance Limestone Mantel

A magnificent reproduction of a 16th century Italian Renaissance limestone mantel meticulously carved by Italian sculptor Andrea Distefano.

The inspiration for the work certainly comes from the Renaissance era, specifically in the noble Venetian villas or in the large Tuscan palaces of the early 16th century, where the fireplace had the role to represent the status and the importance of the family. These superb fireplaces, were once placed in large dining rooms where the “Signori” used to entertain their guests with grandiose banquets and ceremonies.

Fireplaces of this kind could be also found in bedchambers. The sculptural relief represents various architectural motifs including a floral composition that closes with two sphinxes supporting a coat of arms.

There are countless myths concerning sphinxes ranging from ancient Egypt and Greece to ancient Persia. In the Egyptian mythology it was a monument that was built near the pyramids as a protective symbol, to wish the Pharaohs a peaceful afterlife. The sphinx has a canine (or leonine) body and a male/female human head which is believed to represent the pharaoh meant to be protected.

The heraldic coat of arms can in turn be modified by inserting a design or the initials specifically chosen by the purchaser. The fireplace is in turn supported by two pillars with the base representing the paws of a lion, which undoubtedly refer to the leonine figures of the sphinxes.

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Overall dimensions
55″ (140 cm) tall
52.7″ (134 cm) wide
16.5″ (42 cm) deep

Opening
30.3″ (77 cm) tall
33.4″ (85 cm) wide