Explore Collections Explore The Collections
You are here: CollectionsOnline  /  [3] Alternative preliminary design for a triumphal arch, c1778, unexecuted

Browse

  • image SM Adam volume 21/47

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

Watermark

T FRENCH

Literature

King, 2001, Volume II, p. 57
For a full list of literature references see scheme notes.

Level

Drawing

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