A Late C18th Exceptionally Well Executed Irish Chimneypiece in Statuary and Convent Sienna Marbles

An imposing late 18th century Irish chimneypiece in Italian Statuary and richly coloured and strongly veined Convent Sienna Marbles from circa 1790. Upward tapering ionic, reeded, and unengaged columns of statuary marble dominate the aesthetic of this piece and provide further framing to a central tablet. This is carved with the scene of Bacchus (Dionysus), the god of wine, depicted here with his stick named Thyrsus and a lion who is turned back towards him with a snarl. Thyrsus, often carried by Bacchus, has at one end a pinecone, the phallic shape symbolising fertility. The message here might be the conquering of humans over nature, or otherwise a gift for good fortune in fertility. This tablet is particularly special and fine given its shallow depth which increases its delicate nature, more commonly seen in later Palladian architecture. It is upheld by a run of Sienna finger flutes. The frieze, corner blocks, and rear jambs are of the finest Convent Sienna veneers. Corner blocks project over the ionic columns. A thin line of lamb's tongue moulding supports the breakfront shelf, and the piece is finished with a particularly sumptuous inground with lambs' tongue and running bell flowers, a symbol of everlasting love.