A GEORGE III SPANISH BROCATELLO AND WHITE MARBLE CHIMNEYPIECE
Lot 339

A GEORGE III SPANISH BROCATELLO AND WHITE MARBLE CHIMNEYPIECE

CIRCA 1775

Closed23 September 2015

Price Realised

GBP 25,000

More Information

How to sell

A GEORGE III SPANISH BROCATELLO AND WHITE MARBLE CHIMNEYPIECE
CIRCA 1775
The moulded mantle-shelf above a breakfront frieze, inlaid to simulate fluting, the central tablet depicting a reclining Bacchic figure in a landscape, a cowering lion at their feet, the corner-blocks carved with classical maidens above Ionic-capitals and ribbon-tied floral pendants, restorations and minor losses; together with a shallow modern grey fossil marble hearth
59 in. (150 cm.) high; 75 ½ in. (192 cm.) wide; 8 in. (20 cm.) deep
The aperture: 41 in. (104 cm.) high; 46 in (117 cm.) wide

Specialist note

The use of appropriate iconography in decorative schemes reached its peak during the neoclassical period in Britain, towards the end of the 18th century. The depiction here of a Bacchic youth, evoking feasting and plenty, suggests that this chimneypiece was most likely conceived for a dining room.