G444
A Refined George III Chimneypiece Carved in White Statuary Marble in the Manner of Robert Adam
An elegant breakfront shelf is supported by a fluted frieze with alternated enclosed paterae and full-length figures of nymphs, ending with urns on the cornerblocks. A finely carved reeded detail frames the opening and the under-frieze. The elegant manner of this composition undoubtedly recalls the work of architect Robert Adam (1728–92) as interior decorator. It can be observed how in the present chimneypiece classical architectural elements and figures have been gently reinterpreted through the 18th century vocabulary of Adam, who is considered for this reason the most prominent exponent of British Neo-classicism. A comparable is the one designed for Edwin Lascelles's dressing room in 1768.
Height 59⅞in (152cm) width 67⅝in (171.8cm)
Internal height 45in (114cm) width 46⅝in (118.5cm)
Footblock to footblock 61in (155cm)
Shelf depth 6½in (16.6cm)