SM Adam volume 31/22

[1] Design for an altar, c1768, unexecuted

Elevation of a stepped classical screen set within a lancet window. The central pedimented section of the screen contains an apse articulated by Corinthian pilasters ornamented with scrolled hearts. Within there are panels ornamented with rosettes, arabesques, and anthemia and above this there is a frieze of anthemia and Vitruvian scroll, with capitals containing patera.

The semi-dome of the apse is ornamented with a band of enclosed anthemia and figurative compartments, with bands of drop calyx set in between. Above this there are portrait medallions and compartments containing scrolled hearts. The apse is flanked by rosettes and giant, fluted Corinthian columns ornamented with a band of scales. The central section of the screen has a frieze of festoons and peltoid shields, alternating with rosettes. Above this there is a further frieze of scrolled hearts, anthemia and calyx, and the tympanum is ornamented with a shield bearing the arms of the University of Cambridge, flanked by arabesques. The central section is flanked by compartmental doors bordered by drop calyx, with cornices of scrolled acanthus leaves and friezes of enclosed anthemia and arabesques supporting calyx. The doorways are flanked by Corinthian pilasters ornamented with scrolled hearts enclosing calyx. Above there are capitals containing patera and friezes of Vitruvian scroll enclosing anthemia, and these are surmounted by medallions depicting birds, arabesques supporting tubular flowers, and further birds