Is the Marble in this Fireplace Original?
Can anyone speculate as to whether the pink marble insert in this mantel could be original, or whether it might have been added/changed out later? For some reason, I get the impression that the marble doesn’t seem to go with the rest of this mantel, and I was wondering if anyone out there might know…
Can anyone speculate as to whether the pink marble insert in this mantel could be original, or whether it might have been added/changed out later? For some reason, I get the impression that the marble doesn’t seem to go with the rest of this mantel, and I was wondering if anyone out there might know about mantel styles. The house was built in 1907. Thanks.
I love it, too (though I’d change the wall color.) Whether or not it is original, it is quite old, and pretty – and may very well be original – so why not keep it?
Friends have the identical mantle in Brooklyn Heights and it IS original. It’s a wood, painted mantle with the same marble. I think it’s lovely, and would keep it!
There is not enough information to tell.
Veined marble was used in fireplace facades in 1907.
If you can remove one of the panels and you see tile imprint in the backing cement you can say that there was tile there (if you do a rubbing of the imprint you may be able to “lift” an image of makers mark on the back of the tile), however, frequently tiles were set in plaster in panel form and then positioned in place and so there wouldn’t be the tile foot print (check the basement for these).
Look at the floor to see if there is any interruption of the flooring to suggest changes.
Disagree with dave, the authenticity question goes to the finish/polish of the marble, and the consistency of design throughout the house. There are many who have thought that dressing a mantle in marble raises the class and prestige of the fireplace (I don’t agree but then again I am biased in favor of the tile from the early 1900’s, it’s much more interesting).
The fact that it is not original to the house does not mean it’s bad, changes made in architecture reflect historical moments. For example one possible scenario is that the white mantle was painted in the 1940’s as part of a general white wash movement in interior finishing. Originally it could have been varnished wood with an applied graining that became damaged through use. A lack of skilled tradesmen to correct the damage may have resulted in the decision to correct the flaw by re-finishing with white paint. The mantle in like fashion may have been tile or marblized slate. The tile from the 1907 would not have been available in the 1940’s and the tile that was available in the 1940’s was lousy for the application, and so again the facade was re-designed with material available from the period.
I notice the gas control to the right of the fireplace. Check the date of the heating system or the castings associated with the fireplace fixtures like dampers, ashdumps, etc.
As far as the stylings go, it is a revival style. The putti suggest Italian Renaissance,or old Roman. Look at The Grammar of Ornament by Owen Jones as one source for design reference.
What is the plan for the room?
what color and brand of paint is on that wall – it’s beautiful!
The mantle is wood. You’re not going to get any marble to “match it.”
It’s not original but I think it looks great…especially with the wall color. There’s no such thing as a non’authentic looking marble. If you want to change the color of the marble, go ahead but I think it looks “right” with the style of the mantle.
Is the problem that it looks “wrong” more with the hearth slab?? What color is that?? Can’t really see from the pics
My mantles, which are similar in style, have tile where yours’ has marble. FWIW I don’t think the marble looks bad at all.
Agree with ^. The marble doesn’t quite fit with the rest of the mantle. I don’t know what it might have originally been, though.
it doesn’t look original to me. Looks too new to be. I’d switch it out for a white marble to match the rest of the mantel.