Grand Dalou
One of the sculptors who played a major role in the development of realism in the second half of the 19th century was Aime Jules Dalou (1838-1902). This mantel was developed in homage to the French sculptor. Several exceptional sculptures by Dalou can still be seen in the Paris area. From bottom to top, this is a tour de force of world-class sculpting. A left and right Pan sculpture adorns each pilaster. Acanthus leaf and egg-and-dart decorate the frieze and lid sections. Recumbent lions keep a close eye on the cherubs as they support a cartouche that is stylized with acanthus corpus and a fruit/foliage swag. Capping this piece at a possible height of over twenty feet is the elaborate cartouche with hanging swags. Shown with Nero Portoro marble inserts. An interesting note: the lions’ manes alone took Luca Savazzi approximately 80 hours to sculpt.