The French Mantel is characterised by its proportions – lower and deeper than those of an English mantel, and by its decoration – particularly when displaying the exuberant Rococo style.
During the second half of the 18th century the extravagant style of the Rococo period, widely associated with French mantels and characterised by carved serpentine friezes and angled jambs, was replaced by a stricter adherence to the classical orders as Neo-classical style came to dominate during the reign of Louis XVI.
The Chesney’s French Mantel collection contains fine examples of both these styles, which remained popular throughout the 19th century and became trade items that were imported into England on a significant scale during the Victorian era.