An Impressive Neoclassical Chimneypiece in Statuary Marble with Fine Wedgewood Tablet

A late 18th to early 19th century neoclassical antique fireplace in white statuary marble, centred with a Wedgwood ‘Bacchanal’ tablet, with three-quarter round fluted Ionic columns fronting the jambs. The Wedgwood tablet depicts a central group of three drunken bacchic cherubs, flanked by single cherub figures and cherub groups taking cover under trees. These were designed by the gifted amateur artist Lady Diana Beauclerk, 1734–1808, the daughter of the 3rd Duke of Marlborough and wife of Lord Burlington. She designed in a sentimental manner that was typical of the late neoclassical style. She is listed in the Wedgwood catalogue of 1787 as supplying designs of a “group of three boys (No. 421)” the central group and “two boys (No. 242) and four boys single (No. 423)” for a “Bacchanal tablet”. She is described by Wedgwood as “having taste universally acknowledged”.