A Robustly Carved Mid-Eighteenth-Century Palladian Chimneypiece in Breche Violette, Statuary and Old English Marbles

A robust and very fine mid-eighteenth-century Palladian chimneypiece, carved from exquisite Breche Violette, Statuary and Old English marbles. Upon the frieze, a sumptuous festoon of flowers suspends from the beaks of opposing eagles, their bodies transfigure into winding S scrolls of Acanthus leaf. The jambs feature simple, tapering Breche pilasters, faced with contrasting Statuary acanthus leaves. A medley of marbles and painterly veining contribute to the piece's overall sumptuous and harmonious design. A statuesque shelf projects over stop-flute corner blocks. The piece is in excellent condition, with carefully executed later restorations.