(details) Scala di Piedi (1 in to 1 ft approximately) and Scala di Palmi Romani

Inscribed as above, Prospetto per di Dentro o Vero Spaccato di Detto Palazzo, B Modine della Cornice Principale Architravata, Assieme / con il Capitello che Resta per di Fuori e Ricorre per / di Dentro ne Cortile, C Porta Disegnata in Grande che Resta sotto li / Portici nel Piano Terreno con suo Modine, e / Dimostratione dell Ricorso della Cornice che / Forma Inposta al Archi & Di Modine una delle Porte che Restano al / Piano delle Loggie nel Piano Nobile

• 1730s

Black and brown pen and sepia wash, shaded, within single ruled border and on laid paper (490 x 760)

unidentified Italian architect

encircled fleur-de-lis

The drawing shows a three storey-building of 21 bays with single-storey wings at each end on a curved plan. The seven bays either side of the centre are shown in section, the centre seven bays in elevation. The palazzo is crowned by a balustrade with 14 sculpted figures; eight more stand on each curved wing, and 18 smaller ones front the second floor of the centre. That there was no particular patron is suggested by the details of an entablature (labelled B) with a mannered Ionic angular capital with the French crowned lion's mask, and a festoon above a Farnese fleur-de-lis; and half-elevational details of a triangular and a segmental pediment with carved sopraporte that includes (labelled C) a festoon and putto head and wings and (labelled D) a military trophy including a flag with the French fleur-de-lis. The sculpted figures include angels proferring a papal crown.

In the foreground is a frieze-like composition of vignettes including farm labourers and a horse and cart; a sedan chair carried by two porters; and a group of soldiers with lances, shields and a horse.

Drawing

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