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