An Early 19th Century Statuary Marble Chimneypiece of Neoclassical Design, Superbly Carved to the Highest Quality

An early 19th century, statuary marble chimneypiece of neoclassical design, superbly carved to the highest quality, possibly in Italy for the English market. Circa 1810. The continuous frieze with alternating sprays of anthemion flower heads, issuing from leaf buds, and fruiting and flowering acanthus, is flanked by blockings decorated with pea cocks, symbolic of immortality, resting on flowering buds. These are upheld by pairs of columns with caps decorated with palm leaves and anthemion sprays. The fire opening is framed by an arch with a central keystone decorated with a mask of Medusa, this flanked by victory wreaths of laurel.