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You are here: CollectionsOnline  /  Capriccio showing the elevation of a decorated fountain composed of a sarcophagus basin with lion's mask jet above swags joined to two human faces in profile, and with a cartouche above. Two side jets with basins are supported by dolphins.
  • image Adam vol.55/113

Reference number

Adam vol.55/113

Purpose

Capriccio showing the elevation of a decorated fountain composed of a sarcophagus basin with lion's mask jet above swags joined to two human faces in profile, and with a cartouche above. Two side jets with basins are supported by dolphins.

Aspect

Elevation

Inscribed

Inscribed in ink on drawing 113

Signed and dated

  • Undated, probably 1755

Medium and dimensions

Pen154 x 220

Hand

Robert Adam

Notes

The traditional composition of using a sarcophagus as a basin for a fountain is a familiar one in the capricci of Charles-Louis Clérisseau (1721-1820), and these are probably what Robert Adam drew on here. The playful classicism in this drawing suggests early Adam of around 1755. There are several more serious fountain designs by James Adam for his Parliament House, London and Royal Theatre of 1763 in volume 7.

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