An Extremely Fine Late 18th Century Statuary Marble Chimneypiece of Strong Architectural Character and Landscape Proportion

An extremely fine late 18th century statuary marble chimneypiece of strong architectural character and landscape proportion, after a design by the architect Robert Adam (1728–1792). The pilaster jambs are capped by Greek Ionic capitals, possibly quoting the recently discovered Temple of Ilissus in Athens, supporting a refined shelf with a charming cushion bed mould. The jambs carved with delicate Anthemion palmettes in low relief set in a recessed fielded panel. The solid construction of the Statuary marble implies this piece is of Italian manufacture for the English market. A very similar chimneypiece was designed by Robert Adam for his own house at No.4 Adelphi Terrace.