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[6] Imaginative reconstruction drawing of a variant design made by J.M.Gandy, 1798-1800
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- Sir John Soane office drawings: the drawings of Sir John Soane and the office of Sir John Soane
Reference number
SM volume 60/182
Purpose
[6] Imaginative reconstruction drawing of a variant design made by J.M.Gandy, 1798-1800
Aspect
Preliminary perspective of a single storey, domed mausoleum on an X-plan with stepped terrace and 4 small detached pyramids
Inscribed
(pen by G. Bailey, curator 1837-60) Sketch of a Design for A Mausoleum
Medium and dimensions
Pencil, sepia washes, watercolour technique within sepia wash border on laid paper (339 x 564)
Hand
J.M.Gandy (1771-1843)
Notes
The perspective is unfinished with pencil setting-up lines that have not been erased. The plan corresponds with SM volume 66/35 and SM volume 62/78, that is, an X-plan building set on a stepped circular terrace on a flat square one, but with pyramids at each of the four outer corners instead of the large circular pedestals bearing trophies as shown in the previous drawings. These pedestals are now on the roof of each of the four pavilions. The dome has a taller drum and profile instead of the stepped, shallow one of 62/79 and SM volume 60/204. Presumably Soane suggested the revisions to Gandy who then drew them out.
Compared with the placid horizontality of the previous perspective with its wooded background, here the proportions of the building have been made more vertical so that the openings appear to be twice as high as before; the effect (with a background of mountains) is austere and striking. Gandy was in Soane's office from 1798 to 1800 and even in this rough drawing, one can see why his realisation of these early designs was so appealing to Soane.
Compared with the placid horizontality of the previous perspective with its wooded background, here the proportions of the building have been made more vertical so that the openings appear to be twice as high as before; the effect (with a background of mountains) is austere and striking. Gandy was in Soane's office from 1798 to 1800 and even in this rough drawing, one can see why his realisation of these early designs was so appealing to Soane.
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