This is a very important English 18th century (circa 1760) Statuary and Siena marble fireplace with highly detailed carved centre tablet of classical figures. The jambs comprise full round tapered Siena columns surmounted by Doric capitals. The shelf is carved with leaf, egg and dart moulding.
Siena marble is the famous egg-yolk marble of Italy. This beautiful stone has been used extensively throughout Italy since the 16th century and can also be seen further afield. Such instances include 24 columns of Giallo Siena marble in the court chamber of the United States Supreme Court1 in Washington, D.C and the rich marble decoration of the Birmingham Oratory2 in England.
Amongst all the natural stones it is perhaps only beaten by the sporadically quarried Giallo Antico of Tunisia when it comes to the rich translucent golden yellow colouring. The best cuts of Siena can most definitely hold parity with any cut of Giallo Antico marble.
The best blocks of Siena marble have been extracted from Montarrenti in the Montagnola Senese Mountains, near the town of Sovicille. Monochrome yellow stone has always been the most highly prized of the Siena marbles and can be dark or pale yellow.
Siena marble can be used in a variety of settings including gold marble tiles, columns, luxury marble coffee tables and other items of furniture. For a luxury item such as a gold marble dining table, Siena is one of the very best materials to choose.
For centuries, the golden colours present in this stone have been associated with luxury and wealth. These characteristics combined with the unique patterning of Giallo Siena marble will give all who make use of this stone in their projects an exclusive expression of warmth and prestige.
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