SM Adam volume 12/48

[25] Design for a ceiling for the library, 1773, as executed

Plan of a rectangular ceiling flanked by columnar screens. The ceiling is ornamented with a central figurative roundel encircled by rosettes and festoons, which suspend drop calyx, arabesques and anthemia enclosed within scrolled hearts. All this is set within a circular band segmented by figurative roundels surmounted by semi-circular compartments. The compartments are ornamented with drop calyx enclosed within semi-circular-headed bands. Beyond all this there are rosettes with aprons of arabesques and drop calyx suspending paterae, and the rosettes are linked to the figurative roundels with festoons of calyx. The roundels have aprons of arabesques, drop calyx and peltoid shields. The central rectangular compartment is bordered by a band of calyx and flanked by columnar screens with narrow rectangular compartments beyond. The narrow compartments are ornamented with a central square containing a rosette surrounded by arabesques, fans and corner paterae, and the rosette is crossed by bands of calyx. The central square is flanked by narrow panels bordered by guilloche, and further square compartments ornamented with arabesques, scrolled hearts, and rosettes all set within lozenges