The first volume of The works in architecture of Robert and James Adam was published in five parts in 1773-78. The complete volume was not available until each part had first been published individually. This design provides evidence for Adam's intention to provide each part of volume 1 with its own title pate. Eight engravings showing Kenwood composed the second part of The works, but this design for a title plate was not used.

That this drawing includes a pencil-drawn section for the frame suggests that Robert Adam was not only designing a title plate for The Works, but also considering how he might use this design for a physical frame.

Julius Bryant has suggested that it is possible that the feint design for a pedestal shown in this drawing might possibly have been for the pedestal to the bust of Homer seen in Mansfield's 1775 portrait by David Martin, now at Scone Palace. A smaller replica of this painting, by the same artist, hangs at Kenwood.