Ref.4925
Art déco style mantel in Brèche de Médous

Art déco style mantel executed in Brèche de Médous during the first half of the 20th century. It is composed by a simple entablature supported by two pilasters adorned with rudent and resting on squared bases.

Ref.5900
Jules CANTINI (attributed to), Regency style fireplace with palmette and scroll, in Vitrolles red

This fireplace was made at the end of the 19th century in Rouge de Vitrolles marble. It is decorated at the center of the frieze with a finely carved palmette, framed on either side by a flowering branch extending along the front. The flowers are sculpted in very high relief, with great attention to detail. At the corners of the frieze, a spiral adorned with leaves extends down toward the legs of the fireplace, where a molded pattern of alternating curves and counter-curves unfolds. Rouge de Vitrolles, also known as Rouge étrusque, is a limestone marble quarried on the Vitrolles plateau in the Bouches-du-Rhône region of southern France. It features a distinctive red hue, sometimes veined with white or yellow. This material was used in the 19th century in architecture and decorative arts. It was notably exploited by Jules Cantini for several projects in Marseille. The quarry is still known today as the Vila quarry. The use of this marble for fireplaces is relatively rare. The exceptional quality of the decorative carving on this piece suggests a connection to the workshop of Jules Cantini. He was the sole known operator of the quarry at the time and was highly active in decorative sculpture. These elements suggest that this fireplace may have been produced in his workshop in the last quarter of the 19th century.

Ref.6031
Oak Fireplace with Plaster Bas-Reliefs in Faux Bronze, dated 1896

Impressive architectural fireplace in solid oak, embellished with striking bas-reliefs in plaster painted to imitate bronze. The central frieze presents a vivid battle scene in a Renaissance-inspired style, featuring cavalry, infantry, banners, and artillery in a highly dynamic composition. The side supports are decorated with large vegetal motifs and Corinthian capitals, also in molded plaster. The upper crest is sculpted in oak, with Renaissance-style urns and vessels. On the reverse, an engraved inscription reads: “Installed on September 2, 1896”, accompanied by several signatures, including that of C. Cléradin, who was the installer of the fireplace (not the artist). Condition: generally good, with a few visible damages and chips on the plaster elements. A rare piece, showcasing the fusion of decorative architecture and historicist sculpture typical of the late 19th century.