FourPAGER 4/27/07 5:13 PM Page 1 tartaruga's patinated stone selection The following `Patinated Stone Selection' has been created by studying the aging process of various European historical buildings. Each patina has been developed to complement its associated stone type. the history of the mantelpiece he history of the fireplace parallels the history of mankind, from the firepit to the exterior wall. By the 13th century, the fireplace was edging into the room to avoid an external projection in the wall. This necessitated employing a canopy structure (which was the forerunner to the overmantel) to draw smoke up a chimney. Botticino with Patina This stone has the appearance of centuries of Mediterranean weathering. Inspired by many visits to the palaces of Venice, Italy. sculptural masterpiece. What began as a strictly utilitarian necessity became an artistic focal point to showcase a family's appreciation for the arts. Overmantels, which projected into the room, came in and out The term `mantelpiece' is generally used today to describe the decorative material directly adjacent to, and surrounding, the of fashion in Britain during the 14th and 15th centuries. However, the overmantel never seemed to lose it's appeal in Italy, France, and most of Europe. Sculpturally, mantelpiece designs remained rather simple up until the 16th century, when the surrounding stone area of the fireplace was used as an opportunity to embellish a room. The 16th century gave us the Tudor-style mantelpiece, while the Italian Renaissance began to have an effect on mantelpiece design Fires were initially used for heat and cooking in the center of in Italy and abroad. Look for the embedded TARTARUGA coin. It is your guarantee that you have purchased a work of art that will be appreciated for generations. Charmot Stone with Patina historical european-inspired mantelpieces impeccably sculpted to gratify the world's most discerning architectural palates This stone has the appearance of the external weathering visible throughout the great cities of Europe. This soft brown patina will antiquate any piece gracefully. firebox opening. In English, the term `chimney' used to refer to the hearth and its surroundings. By the 18th century, the term `chimneypiece' came into general use, and by the early 19th century, the term `mantelpiece' came into use and is still in vogue. French Limestone with Patina This stone has the appearance of the aging stones in French châteaux. Our French limestone patina greatly enhances the stone's texture and carved recesses. the occupied space. Smoke was vented through a central roof opening or `lantern'. This made much sense as the occupants could gather around the central fire for cooking and warmth. During Roman rule, the hypocaust was used for heating the homes of the wealthy. Braziers were commonplace for the heating of smaller areas. The stylistic changes in mantelpiece design over the following centuries are a reflection of the history of fine art. Many of the world's great sculptors used the mantelpiece as a showcase for their craft. Always a focal point, the mantelpiece became an opportunity to create a masterpiece of the architectural vernacular and the artistic styling of the day. Giallo-Rosso with Patina Reminiscent of Juliet's balcony in Verona, Italy, where this stone color is common. This black wax type of patina greatly enhances detailing and depth on any piece. By the 12th century in England, Norman structures were being built with a multi-storey design using wooden beams for the upper floors. Fires could not be lit in the middle of a wooden floor without dire consequences. The fireplace was moved to the exterior wall's stone construction where one could combust wood without burning down the building. The Tartaruga Design has been reviving the sculptural heritage of centuries past. Meticulous detailing and period-correct profiling give your unique Tartaruga piece its distinctive character. For over a decade, our mantelpieces have been a source of inspiration for mantel designers and sculptors the world over. Our manufacturing process has been developed to give each hand-cast piece its own unique characteristics. Accompanying brochure photography and product samples must be viewed as generally indicative of the final product with some possible variation in surface texture and color. design of the fireplace was a simple masonry opening in the