N310

An Extremely Fine Late 18th Century Statuary Marble Chimneypiece of Strong Architectural Character and Landscape Proportion.

An extremely fine late 18th-century statuary marble chimneypiece of strong architectural character and landscape proportion, after a design by the architect Robert Adam (1728–1792). The pilaster jambs are capped by Greek Ionic capitals, possibly quoting the recently discovered Temple of Ilissus in Athens, supporting a refined shelf with a charming cushion bed mould. The jambs carved with delicate Anthemion palmettes in low relief set in a recessed fielded panel. The solid construction of the Statuary marble implies this piece is made by Italian manufacturers for the English market. A very similar chimneypiece was designed by Robert Adam for his own house at No.4 Adelphi Terrace.