GEORGIAN CARRARA MARBLE FIREPLACE SURROUND


English
Regency period lightly veined Carrara marble fireplace surround, with central tablet depicting Diana the Huntress at rest with her hound and bow, the frieze and jambs composed of gently convex reeded panels, the corner blockings each showing a putti draped in cloth playing a horn. Restored.
£0000
AW007
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Diana was the Roman mythological goddess of the hunt, wildlife, fertility and childbirth. She was one of three virgin goddesses alongside Vesta and Minerva and her chastity is considered to represent her freedom from the controls of (a male) society and a representation of wildness that is integral to her.
Being the goddess of the hunt, Diana’s ability with the bow was renowned and equal to that of her brother Apollo. As with this fireplace, in most Roman works of art Diana is depicted in a forest setting, with her bow, arrows, and dogs, Syrius and Phocion.
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Width 61” / 155cm
Height 45¼” / 1150cm
Depth 7½” / 19cm
Opening height 38” / 96.5cm
Opening width 38¼” / 97.5cm
Width at base 56” / 142cm