A George III Italian Export White Statuary Marble Chimney Piece (4401631)

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A George III Italian Export White Statuary Marble Chimney Piece (4401631)

About the Item

A magnificent quality and highly important and rare late 18th century carved white statuary marble with 'Rosso Antico' relief plaques and micro mosaic panels attributed to Lorenzo Cardelli and Cesare Aguatti. Having a break front shelf with moulded edge above a finely guilloche carved concave moulding above a frieze with raised central tablet mounted with an oval Rosso Antico plaque and flanked by exceptionally fine arabesque micro mosaic in bright colours on a white ground with opposing grotesque heads towards the centre and flanked by a further two oval Rosso Antico reliefs heading the jambs, each with a panel of matching micro mosaic of trailing flowers, classical vases and arabesque scrolls, on moulded bases, the aperture surrounded by a fine stiff leaf carved moulding. Note: The micro mosaic panels are attributed to Cesare Aguatti and relate to a group of chimney pieces, some with identical mosaic panels. They relate to group of carved marble pilasters from the Cloisters of the Convent Aracoeli near the Capitol in Rome. The Rosso Antico frieze medallions depicting 'The Cupid Sellers' are attributed to Lorenzo Cardelli. Inspired by excavations at the Herculaneum in Pompeii and hugely popular during the mid and late 18th century they relate to similar oval panels by the same hand and in matching chimneypieces. The subject of the Cupid Sellers relates directly to a fresco found at the Villa D'Arianna at Stabiae. A documented chimneypiece by Cardelli is at Penrice Castle in Wales and illustrated in 'Country Life' magazine. The Penrice chimneypiece shares the same combination of micro mosaic and oval panels as well as some of the carved elements. It relates to a group of chimneypieces made for the English market in Rome by some of the best craftsmen of their time and ordered by the Earl Bishop of Derry. Unfortunately the French invaded Italy and all his treasures were confiscated and he never saw them installed in his lifetime. They finally made their way to Ireland after The Earl Bishop of Derry's death. His nephew, Sir Henry Aston Bruce was subsequently responsible for the dispersal of some of the chimneypieces. One was installed at Ickworth, one in St. James' square in London and at least two remained in the family at Downhill. Literature: Charles Heathcote Tatham, 'Grecian and Roman Architectural Ornament', 2nd edition, 1843 reprint, plates 12, 47-51. Provenance: Probably commissioned by The Earl Bishop of Derry; Confiscated during the French occupation; Sir Henry Aston Bruce; Private collection, Ireland.

Dimensions:
Height: 53.94 in (137 cm)Width: 82.29 in (209 cm)Depth: 8.27 in (21 cm)
Style:
George III (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Marble
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
18th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
1790
Condition:
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: (4401631)1stDibs: LU102661055174