G479

A High Quality Late 18th Century Chimneypiece in Statuary Marble.

An exceptional 1780s fireplace in the style of the architect Robert Adam. An elegant moulded breakfront shelf is supported by a finely carved frieze: on the central tablet an oval medallion showing a female figure, possibly the goddess Ceres, is flanked by drapery. Classical motifs such as urns and beaded chains decorate the rest of the frieze, ending with laurel crowns on the cornerblocks. Chains of bell- flowers gently fall down the jambs.

The ornamental design of this chimneypiece is typical of the British architect Robert Adam, who translated classical elements with unique lightness and refinement, resulting in graceful compositions such as the present chimneypiece.
A similar piece can be found in The Etruscan Dressing Room at Osterley Park.