The overall form of this art nouveau style fireplace was inspired by a number of furniture designers of the period - particularly the 'mortarboard' display shelves. The marquetry itself was directly inspired by the bird sanctuary adjacent to the house. The pelicans, egrets, ibises, and great blue … herons were drawn from life on site, as were the flowers and plants. The perspective view is of the Gulf of Mexico, across the street. The veneer woods chosen for the three panels that comprise this tableau included satinwood, walnut and maple burls, holly, purple heart, tiger maple, and sapele. The limited color palette was slightly amplified through the use of water-based stains, and the marquetry was sealed against climatological deterioration.
This fireplace is part of a full suite of art nouveau furniture and architectural components, visible on other parts of our website.

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