A RARE MID 18TH CENTURY PALLADIAN BRECCIA MARBLE & CARVED WOOD CHIMNEYPIECE IN THE MANNER OF WILLIAM CHAMBERS (1723-1796)

A RARE MID 18TH CENTURY PALLADIAN BRECCIA MARBLE & CARVED WOOD CHIMNEYPIECE IN THE MANNER OF WILLIAM CHAMBERS (1723-1796)

English, Circa 1760/65

The tiered shelf above an elegant acanthus leaf frieze with a central tablet vigorously carved with foliage and flowers beneath finally carved dentils above egg and dart detail. Finely carved scrolls with delicate foliage decorate the side console jambs resting on foot blocks. The design is heavily influenced by (William Kent 1685-1748) & Inigo Jones (1573-1652).

The design of this chimneypiece demonstrates William Chambers and William Kent’s understanding of the drawings of Inigo Jones that were in the possession of Lord Burlington. Considering the quality of the carving and the stylistic influence one other potential duo should be considered. Architect John Vardy (1718-1765) was a close follower of Palladian design and William Kent.

Literature:
William Chambers, Treatise on the Decorative Part of Civil Architecture (1759)
Sothebys, Chatsworth, The Attic Sale & Devonshire House architectural details.

Dimensions:
External:
Height: 132cms / 52 inches
Width: 150cms / 59 inches
Internal:
Height: 86cms / 33.85 Inches
Width: 82cms / 32.28 Inches