A Unique 18th Century Palladian Chimneypiece in Parcel-Gilt and Portoro Nero Marble

The central frieze is carved with a Rococo vase of flowers, flanked by scrolling motifs. This supports a broken pediment with acanthine modillions to the under-mould. The opening frame is made of Portoro marble ingrounds, standing on white marble footblocks. The strong Palladian presence married with Rococo ornamental details leads to the manner of the James Paine, a successful mid 18th century Palladian revival architect and early exponent of Rococo interior decoration.