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Capriccio showing a shallow domed, circular building with outbuildings, including an obelisk on top of a small tower at the head of steps. This is set in a landscape with trees and rocks in the foreground.
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Reference number
Adam vol.54/Series 5/1
Purpose
Capriccio showing a shallow domed, circular building with outbuildings, including an obelisk on top of a small tower at the head of steps. This is set in a landscape with trees and rocks in the foreground.
Aspect
Perspective
Inscribed
Inscribed in ink 1
Signed and dated
- Undated, possibly 1757
Medium and dimensions
Pen; with two vertical pencil framing lines202 x 206
Hand
Robert Adam
Notes
The composition of both buildings and landscape are typical of Robert Adam during his Roman period. The arching tree is a familiar motif and can be found in the next drawing in this volume, Adam vol.54/Series 5/2, and also in his tree studies in volume 56 (see Adam vol.56/10 and 31). The elevated pyramid, possibly a tomb, can be compared with the various capricci of tombs and sarcophagi in the same volume (see Adam vol.56/105). Another raised sarcophagus is seen in Adam vol.54/Series 5/6. The elements of fantasy can also be found in a group of drawings in volume 55 (see Adam vol.55/16, 18 and 20, of which 55/16 is closest in character to this drawing).
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