The caryatids are what set this fireplace apart. Carved as female figures shown in quiet contemplation, they flank the opening and appear to carry the Potoro marble under-frieze above them — the sculptural support device the Greek Revival took directly from the temples of antiquity, and one rarely seen rendered with this level of refinement. They give the surround both a symbolic and a structural presence, anchoring the whole composition. Above them, the main frieze runs in an alternating rhythm of Greek palmettes and lotus motifs, finely carved into pure white statuary marble and reflecting the early 19th-century fascination with ancient Greek ornament. The contrast between the sculpted detail and the smooth, luminous marble around it gives the piece real rhythm and balance, while a cleanly moulded shelf extends the design without ever competing with the carving. Carved from pure white statuary marble, the surround embodies both elegance and strength, and remains in excellent condition — the surfaces crisp and well preserved, the carving still sharp. A commanding focal point for a period or contemporary interior.

Dimensions:
Depth of shelf: 27 cm
Length of shelf: 135 cm
Overall height: 113 cm
Opening: 73.5 cm wide × 86 cm tall