A Statuary and Sienna Marble Chimneypiece of Strong Palladian Design, After Inigo Jones

A good 18th century Palladian fireplace in statuary and Siena marbles after an original design by Inigo Jones, adapted by William Kent or one his disciples, possibly John Vardy. Circa 1740–45. The stepped and moulded breakfront shelf above an eared surround. The frieze centred with a well carved mask of the Sun God, Apollo, portrayed as a young beardless man flanked by drapery swags in statuary on a rich, dark Siena marble veneered background. The bracket shaped end blockings decorated with three calyx pods of acanthus. The jambs with elongated bracket shaped consoles with spiral volutes on the out grounds to the sides. The whole resting on footblocks. The central carving 20 century in date. A comparable chimneypiece is in the Parlour Room at Rousham, Oxfordshire.