A Neoclassical Style Statuary White Marble Antique Chimneypiece featuring a Roundel Carved Central Tablet

An Adam Style chimneypiece, decoratively carved in Statuary white marble. The piece is centred by a tablet displaying a carved roundel. The roundel depicts the mythological tale of Ganymede and the moment that he was abducted by Zeus, disguised as an eagle, who wished this remarkably beautiful Trojan prince to serve at his cupbearer on Mount Olympus. The carving seen here is very similar to a motif taken from a Roman relief, held in the collection at the Hermitage. This central tablet drops into the upper member of the architrave which is adorned with thin fluting. The bellflower garlands which frame the roundel on the tablet are seen again either side on the frieze. The bellflower is another well-known symbol of humility and everlasting love. The shelf steps forward over paterae carved vertical corner blocks which themselves reside over decoratively carved fluted bed mould jambs. These terminate in square, capped footblocks.