Auguste Serrure (Belgian, 1825-1903)

The Salle de Franc in Bruge is best known for the elaborate carved decoration of the room, in particular the exquisite carving around the fireplace designed by Lancelot Blondeel (1498-1561) and sculptured in about 1527 by Guyot de Beauregard (d. 1551). Carved in wood are Charles V, Mary of Burgundy and Maximilian, Charles the Bold and Margaret of York his third wife. They are surrounded by various coats of arms including that of Burgundy and that of Spain. (J. Murray, A Handbook for Travellers on the Continent, London, 1839.)