A Robustly Carved and Highly Figured Statuary Marble Chimneypiece

A most unusual late 19th century French statuary marble antique fireplace mantel probably made for the emerging and prosperous American market with a bald headed eagle attacking a snake. Circa 1880.

With serpentine shelf and frieze which is centered with an eagle holding a snake in its beak on a rocaille background with foliage and bull rushes, flanked by cartouches centred with flower embellished paterae. The end blockings above the jambs with further elements the scrolled consol shaped jambs with floral decoration.