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  • image SM volume 42/92

Reference number

SM volume 42/92

Purpose

[6] Rough alternative design by George Dance for a domed building linked by colonnades to pyramidal pavilions

Aspect

Sketch elevations with (top) domed building linked to flanking pyramids by colonnades and (bottom) vice versa

Medium and dimensions

Pencil on laid secretary paper (198 x 265)

Hand

George Dance (1741-1825)

Watermark

Presently stuck down and not visible

Notes

The design is less compact than previous or later designs since the three pavilions are joined to the main building by colonnades with six or eight columns set out on a curve. The main elements of the final design are here (at the top) but the composition is horizontal and spaced out. The draughtsmanship suggests the drawing is by George Dance. There are also tiny lions on the parapet in the centre - not something that Soane went in for. The parapets to the pyramids have swept ends and rise in tiers giving a pagoda-like impression. This treatment is rather similar to that on Dance's Chinese portal in his unidentified design for a monumental entrance consisting of two pyramids (see J.Lever, Catalogue of the drawings of George Dance the Younger (1741-1825) …, 2003, catalogue [31]).

Level

Drawing

Digitisation of the Drawings Collection has been made possible through the generosity of the Leon Levy Foundation

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