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Cast of a capital from the Erechtheion, on the Acropolis, Athens
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Three casts from the Erectheion, Athens. SM M1433. ©A.C. Cooper (colour) Ltd
Cast of a capital from the Erechtheion, on the Acropolis, Athens
Plaster cast
Museum number: M1433
On display: Drawing Office - also known as the Students Room (pre-booked tours only)
All spaces are in No. 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields unless identified as in No. 12, Soane's first house.
For tours https://www.soane.org/your-visit
Curatorial note
Three casts from the capital of one of the columns of the Erechtheion, Athens, mounted on a board and framed. These items hang on the north wall of the upper Office at 13 Lincolns' Inn Fields, enabling Soane's pupils to study close-up the details of the palmette ornaments on this Greek exemplar of the ionic order.
The right-hand cast of the three is shown in a watercolour capriccio of works in Soane's collection, c.1825, Vol. 82_86.
Although it is possible that this cast was taken in Athens by an early expedition, the British Museum acquired an original anta capital from Thomas Bruce, Earl of Elgin, in1816 (British Museum 1816,0610.255) which came from the east porch of the Erechtheion. As this original was in the British Museum during Soane's lifetime it is therefore possible that these casts were made in London; they were certainly acquired by Soane in England.
The right-hand cast of the three is shown in a watercolour capriccio of works in Soane's collection, c.1825, Vol. 82_86.
Although it is possible that this cast was taken in Athens by an early expedition, the British Museum acquired an original anta capital from Thomas Bruce, Earl of Elgin, in1816 (British Museum 1816,0610.255) which came from the east porch of the Erechtheion. As this original was in the British Museum during Soane's lifetime it is therefore possible that these casts were made in London; they were certainly acquired by Soane in England.
Associated items
M891, cast from same original
M900, cast from same original
M901, cast from same original
Vol 82/86, watercolour showing this item
M900, cast from same original
M901, cast from same original
Vol 82/86, watercolour showing this item
Soane collections online is being continually updated. If you wish to find out more or if you have any further information about this object please contact us: worksofart@soane.org.uk