I254

A French Empire style Chimneypiece in Bardiglio Marble

A 19th century French chimnyepiece, c.1820-1840, carved in softly veined Bardiglio marble featuring freestanding Egyptian columns and capitals. These support a simple and plain frieze and a moulded shelf.

The Egyptian revival became popular in France during the era of Napoleon's expeditions. This turned into a style in art, architecture and decorative arts, especially after the "Description de l'Egypte" was published in 1809. Known in England as "Description of Egypt", it was a publication in a series recording all aspects of ancient and modern Egypt, and was used by artists and craftsmen as reference book for inspiration for their work.