19th Century Heavily Carved Statuary White Marble Mantel

This is a unique and large scale mantel. A horizontal panel is centered with a scrolled keystone, while deep carvings on each side of the keystone create raised details across the span. The horizontal panel is supported by simple pilasters, all surrounding an arched firebox opening with the small spandrels of the arch, carved as leafy triangles. Angled corbels adorned with scrolls and leaves, and raised panels below, are elevated with outstanding plinths. The heavy serpentine shelf has softly rounded edges, and is slightly raised above the body of the surround by detailed trim mouldings all around. This mantel originated as the grand focal point of an East Village townhouse located at 16 E 10th St. in New York City with a fascinating history. Built in 1848 with with 14′ ceilings, parquet floors, elaborate crown moldings, rounded archways, an original staircase, and 11 marble fireplaces, in 1923 it was purchased by the Pen and Brush Club and served as its headquarters for over 90 years. The Pen and Brush Club was founded in 1894 as a private club for women artists and writers to showcase the work of female artists. The famous muckraker Ida Tarbell served as its president for 30 years (19131943), and early honorary members included two first ladies (Eleanor Roosevelt and Edith Wilson) and the Nobel prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck. This mantel is in very good to excellent condition with wear consistent with its age. Please allow 3-4 weeks for processing.