Late 19th Century Gothic Revival Fireplace

Exceptional oak neo-Gothic fireplace and hood. The uprights sides of the fireplace are composed of two columns with capitals foliage patterns, all surmounted by a reserve on which is carved an ermine (heraldic symbol). The lintot of the hearth features a mascaron representing a witch’s face carved in high relief with on each side a pattern of parchments. The sculpture on the panelled hood represents a salamander. The salamander is a mythical animal capable of living in fire and extinguishing it. It is a symbol used especially in alchemy and heraldry, it is also the emblem of the King of France François 1er.
This rare chimney with esoteric and fantastic motives comes from a castle near the city of Le Havre in Normandy, city founded by Francois 1er in 1517.
Good condition, old restoration on one of the legs of the salamander.
France.
End of the 19th century.