SM Adam volume 12/21

[41] Design for a ceiling for the Library, 1769, possibly executed

Plan of a rectangular, apsidal ended ceiling, formed with five compartments, and with two additional apses on one long side. There is a central square compartment ornamented with a patera enclosed within a band of rosettes. Beyond this there are pedestals supporting urns bearing anthemia, and these are enclosed and form petal shaped compartments, with rosettes set between. All this is enclosed within a band of guilloche, with festoons, drop calyx and wreaths beyond. The square compartments are flanked by bands of scrolled hearts and rectangular compartments ornamented with a central patera set within a fan. Beyond this there is an oval band of Vitruvian scroll, and a band of rosettes enclosed within wreaths. The rectangular compartments have an apsidal end, and this is bordered with a band of guilloche. The apse is ornamented with a part-patera, surrounded by panels containing wreaths, calyx and arabesques supporting anthemia and urns. The panels terminate in fans and are flanked by bands of drop calyx. The rectangular compartments are flanked by further square compartments containing patera enclosed within a band of rosettes and a symmetrical cross, which is bordered with fluting. Beyond this there are arabesques and festoons of calyx. The apsidal ends are bordered with ribbon and reed, and are ornamented with a part-patera enclosed within a band of rosettes, with festoons of calyx beyond