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  • 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

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