Explore Collections Explore The Collections
You are here: CollectionsOnline  /  [4] Sketch design for alternative chimney-pieces, left and right, with tall mid-height picture frames, chamfer-cornered on left and square on right, the left one bordered by a caryatid console and the right one by a foliage drop, and the overmantel with a single martial composition of putti, shields and arms
  • image SM, volume 110/42

Reference number

SM, volume 110/42

Purpose

[4] Sketch design for alternative chimney-pieces, left and right, with tall mid-height picture frames, chamfer-cornered on left and square on right, the left one bordered by a caryatid console and the right one by a foliage drop, and the overmantel with a single martial composition of putti, shields and arms

Aspect

Elevation of two alternative schemes

Scale

Not indicated, but about 1 foot to 1 inch

Inscribed

In ink by George Dance at bottom right, Gd, and to right by a C19 hand, (41[)]

Signed and dated

  • Undated, but probably dating 1689-94

Medium and dimensions

Pen and brown ink over graphite under-drawing, with greenish brown wash; on smooth white laid paper, with pinkish brown staining in top 45 mm of sheet; 370 x 234

Hand

Gibbons

Watermark

Strasbourg Lily/4WR/AJ

Notes

The trophy is similar to that on 110/26 (section 6/4, no. 2). The design may be preparatory for this grander chimney piece design, or could have been derived from it. The most obvious difference between the two designs is the absence in this drawing of any architectural or sculptural framing around the hearth.

Literature

D. Esterly, Gibbons, 1998, p. 132, fig. 106; Wren Society, IV, pl. 35, bottom

Level

Drawing

Exhibition history

Grinling Gibbons and the Art of Carving, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 22 October 1998 - 24 February 1999

Digitisation of the Drawings Collection has been made possible through the generosity of the Leon Levy Foundation

If you have any further information about this object, please contact us: drawings@soane.org.uk