Mantelpiece ornaments

Mantelpiece ornaments appeared in the 19th century to replace trumeau. They are artifacts like torches flanking a clock on a mantelpiece. By analogy, “mantelpiece ornaments” includes the clock and the artifacts that flank them.  The golden age of these ornaments spans from Napoléon III reign to the end of 19th century. Their materials range from porcelain to bronze to stones to sculpted wood. The scenes represented on the artifacts vary according to the clock décor. Many companies have created mantelpiece ornaments in association with renowned sculptors like Carrier-Belleuse. This is the case for Sèvre Manufacture and founders Susse, Beurdeley and Barbedienne.