A William and Mary carved grey marble oval cartouche circa 1700

with a raised bolection moulded border around a rough hewn interior with two apertures

Handbook, pp. 91 and 103.

Good condition. Some chipping and filler to the edges. The apertures have been roughly cut.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This marble cartouche formed part of the 1st Duke's internal decoration at Chatsworth. It was presumably later removed by the 6th Duke. In the latter's description of the Sculpture Gallery in the Handbook he mentions two oval bas-reliefs. The first, a pair, was to be found on either side of the fireplace in The Long Gallery (now the Library) and these appear in William Henry Hunt's watercolour of that room. It is likely however that the surrounds of these were made of wood and may be those that appear as lot XXX. Another possibility as to the location of the offered lot, is the frame formerly surrounding the medallion now in the Sculpture Gallery but originally in Mary, Queen of Scots Apartment. Yet another is as the frame of the oval bas-relief formerly in the old Breakfast Room.

The surround may have been carved by Samuel Watson or one of his team. A drawing by Watson in the Chatsworth collection shows a similar oval frame surrounding a marble relief of Alexander Browne.