Explore Collections

You are here:
CollectionsOnline
/
[3] Alternative preliminary design for a triumphal arch, c1778, unexecuted
Browse
Reference number
SM Adam volume 21/47
Purpose
[3] Alternative preliminary design for a triumphal arch, c1778, unexecuted
Aspect
Elevation of a three-bay, rusticated arch, articulated with Corinthian columns, and with a frieze of swags and rosettes. Above this there is a further frieze of enclosed fluting, with a central inscribed tablet. The arch is pedimented, and within the tympanum there is a roundel depicting a portcullis, and all this is surmounted by a central figure depicting Britannia, flanked by a lion and unicorn. The double-height, central archway is flanked by stepped entrances, with a fluted string course and figurative panels above. To the left there is a single-bay, balustraded link, containing a blank arch with the spandrels ornamented with roundels. Beyond this there is a single-bay gateway, surmounted by military trophies
Scale
not to scale
Signed and dated
- c1778
c1778
Medium and dimensions
Pen and pencil on laid paper (293 x 185)
Hand
Probably
Robert Adam
Robert Adam
Watermark
T FRENCH
Literature
King, 2001, Volume II, p. 57
For a full list of literature references see scheme notes.
For a full list of literature references see scheme notes.
Level
Drawing
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