A 19th Century Statuary White Marble Chimneypiece with Blue John Inlaid Tablet

A Neoclassical chimneypiece in Statuary white marble, featuring a central tablet inlaid with a Feldspar or Blue John paterae, from which garlands of bell flowers hang. The fluted frieze includes ovals depicting Diana's bows and arrows, symbolising hunting and independence. Diana, the virgin huntress, was a popular figure in Neoclassical iconography, representing chastity and strength. The use of rare stones reflects Victorian interest in geology and ornament. Stop-flute pilaster jambs are topped with paterae and Adam urns with lamb's tongue plinths. A simple tiered shelf tops the piece with its base breaking forward over the tablet and corner blocks.