A George III Statuary and Verde Antico Marble Chimneypiece

A refined late 18th century chimneypiece in statuary marble with Verde Antico inlays of the highest quality, circa 1790. The fluted details on the jambs are centred by oval paterae. The frieze is centred by a relief carved tablet depicting a young Hercules standing at the crossroads between Virtue and Vice, a club in his left hand. The figure of Virtue on the left is pointing upwards to a temple on top of a mountain, representing a difficult path. On the right stands Vice who is offering flowers to Hercules and is accompanied by Cupid with his bow. The tablet could have been inspired by the painting by Poussin 'The Choices of Hercules' now conserved at Stourhead in Wiltshire.