A Louis XV Chimneypiece Carved in a Beautifully Coloured Breche de Benou

The moulded shelf is supported by a serpentine frieze, which presents a central cartouche in the shape of a stylised shell. Shell corner blocks surmount jambs in the shape of scrolls. The elegant design of this chimneypiece is enhanced by the natural patterns of the stone. Breche de Benou, also known as Breche de Vendome, was very popular in 18th century palaces in France thanks to its multicolour character.