A Refined Neoclassical 18th Century Chimneypiece with a Light and Elegant Design in Painted Timber

The shelf with rounded corners is projecting over the foot blocks with a leaf-moulded edge above a drapery border. A hand-painted panel after a Neoclassical design by Angelica Kaufmann is at centre of the frieze, depicting a cupid holding a thyrsus, playing together with two allegorical female figures representing Tragedy and Comedy. The pilaster jambs with Corinthian capitals are headed by cornerblocks with painted panels depicting young dancing female figures.

An almost identical timber chimneypiece was designed for the ante-Dining Room in Bourdon House in Berkley Square, built in 1721–5, as shown in the images here below. The Georgian architect is unknown, however the painted panels of the chimneypiece were attributed to Angelica Kauffmann.