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  • image SM Adam volume 24/195

Reference number

SM Adam volume 24/195

Purpose

[1] Preliminary design for a chimneypiece and overmantel mirror frame, 1787

Aspect

Elevation of a chimneypiece with cross-shaped styles, which are ornamented with rosettes surrounded by anthemia, support drop calyx and are bordered with bands of beading. The styles are flanked by figurative busts, which terminate in scrolls and are ornamented with arabesques, anthemia and paterae. The frieze is ornamented with a central mask, flanked by festoons of husks and with a blank tablet, which has an apron of guttae. Behind the tablet there is a band of fluting. Above the chimneypiece there is an elevation of an overmantel mirror frame, with styles containing arabesques, a frieze of fluting and capitals containing rosettes flanked by arabesques. The mirror glass is ornamented with a semi-circular compartment and festoons of husks, from which a peltoid shield, drop calyx and rosettes are suspended. The mirror frame is surmounted by a central urn, which is ornamented with gadrooning and a band of guilloche. The urn is surmounted by an anthemion and is flanked by winged sphinxes and further anthemia

Scale

not to scale

Inscribed

193 and some dimensions given

Signed and dated

  • December 1787
    R Adam December. 18th. 1787.

Medium and dimensions

Pen, pencil, wash and sepia wash on laid paper (257x208)

Hand

Probably
Robert Adam

Level

Drawing

If you have any further information about this object, please contact us: drawings@soane.org.uk