Antique Regency Neoclassical Fireplace Mantle

A superb early 19th century Regency neoclassical black marble chimneypiece in the manner of Charles H Tatham, 1772-1842, of bold simple but opulent design. The jambs in the form of acanthus decorated consoles with heavy rounded shoulders upheld by lions paw feet derived from ancient sarcophagus supports.
Henry Holland 1745-1806, architect to the Prince of Wales had sent the young Tatham to Italy in the 1790s to gather material for the interiors and furnishings of Carlton House, London and he was among the first to apply antique forms rigorously to contemporary furniture. His "Etchings of Ancient Ornamental Architecture..." was first published in 1799-1800 (reprinted 1803 and 1810) was a major source book, based on excavations at Pompeii, Tivoli and Rome and enjoyed immediate success providing exemplars for neoclassical decoration.
Literature: D Udy, The Neo-Classicism of C H Tatham, Connoisseur, CLXXVII August 1971.