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[7] Preliminary design for a triumphal arch, c1778, unexecuted
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Reference number
SM Adam volume 1/13
Purpose
[7] Preliminary design for a triumphal arch, c1778, unexecuted
Aspect
Elevation of a pedimented, triumphal arch with alternative compositions. The central archway is shown with both a pitched and flat roof, surmounted by a central inscribed plinth supporting a shield, and this is flanked by a recumbent sphinx. The spandrels of the arch contain winged figures and above this there is a figurative tablet. To the right-hand side of the central arch there is a further three-bay arch, set behind a screen of fluted Corinthian columns. The central arch is ornamented with a band of guilloche, and the piers contain arched entrances, with a fluted string course, figurative roundel and a frieze of festoons above. All this is surmounted by plinths bearing statuary, with tablets set between. The left-hand side of the central arch is articulated by paired, giant Corinthian columns, and the pier contains narrow slit windows. Beyond this there is a single-bay link building containing an arch, and a single-bay pavilion, with an arched entrance. The entrance is set within an Ionic aedicule and this is surmounted by a tablet
Scale
to a scale
Signed and dated
- c1778
c1778
Medium and dimensions
Pencil on laid paper (421 x 268)
Hand
Probably
Robert Adam
Robert Adam
Watermark
J KOOL surmounted by a fleur-de-lis within a crowned cartouche
Notes
The composition of this drawing, with its alternatives, forms a preliminary for both Adam’s first and second design for a triumphal arch.
Literature
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