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Unfinished capriccio showing two pavilions, one domed with a triumphal arch centrepiece, and the other in outline, linked by a three-bay quadrant with relief panels above two niches containing sculpture. A detail of a quadrant is below.
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Reference number
Adam vol.55/155
Purpose
Unfinished capriccio showing two pavilions, one domed with a triumphal arch centrepiece, and the other in outline, linked by a three-bay quadrant with relief panels above two niches containing sculpture. A detail of a quadrant is below.
Aspect
Perspective, detail
verso perspective, elevation, plan
Inscribed
Inscribed in ink on drawing 155
Signed and dated
- Undated, probably 1755 - 56
Medium and dimensions
Black chalk
310 x 204
Hand
Robert Adam
Verso
Academic study in pencil and pen showing a symmetrical pavilion with coffered and apsidal entrance on steps, flanked by segmental headed doors with relief panel above and cupola on top. This composition is one of a series of exercises that can be seen in Adam vol.55/168-171 and is possibly taken directly from 55/51.
Also on the sheet is the elevation of the garden façade of Inveraray Castle, Scotland, above an outline plan. William Adam (1689-1748) worked on Inveraray Castle, Scotland between 1745-48 and John Adam (1721-92) did so between 1751-53 (see I. G. Lindsay & M. Cosh, Inveraray and the Dukes of Argyll, Edinburgh, 1973, pp.52-65). The garden or south front was engraved for Vitruvius Scoticus during the second period and the drawing here is probably a copy after that print.
Watermark
partial names
Notes
This chalk scheme is developed further in the red chalk drawing in Adam vol.55/165, attributed to Laurent-Benoít Dewez (1731-1812).
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